LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

BOTTLE IT UP

Brunch Punch Nothing says it’s the weekend like taking the time to luxuriate over a lavish spread of seasonal bounty with friends and, of course, a sparkly cocktail to lighten up rich brunch fare. Since bubbles don’t last nearly as long as we wish they did, add some nicely chilled fizz at the very last minute. CASINO ROYALE This twist on an Americano cocktail, the first drink James Bond ever ordered in an Ian Fleming novel (Casino Royale, 1953), is a tart, bittersweet and perfectly refreshing lower-ABV spritz. 10 oz Aperol (LCBO 176834, $29.20) 10 oz Vinho Verde, such as Sogrape Gazela (LCBO 141432, $10.05) 10 oz fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice 1/4 tsp (1 mL) citric acid 40 oz Fever-Tree ginger beer 10 sprigs thyme to garnish 10 fresh grapefruit half-wheels or wedges to garnish 1. In a pitcher, stir together all ingredients except ginger beer and garnishes, and, using a funnel, pour into a 40-oz bottle. Keep in the refrigerator to chill and serve the following day. 2. When it’s time to serve, gently shake the cold cocktail bottle a few times. Pour into ice-filled wineglasses and top each glass with 4 oz ginger beer. Garnish with thyme and grapefruit wheels or wedges.

* Sparkling cocktails and a Spanish Tortilla are an iconic pairing (recipe at lcbo.com/fdautumn22).

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Whether it’s ginger beer or Champagne, the fizz is best added right before serving the drinks.

For an even lower-ABV drink, swap in a non-alcoholic aperitivo (such as Ontario made Novara Bitter Aperitivo from crowncocktail.co) for the Aperol.

Citric acid extends the life of citrus and can be found in the baking section of most grocery stores. If hard to find, skip it, but make sure to use the bottled cocktail within two days of making it.

Makes 10 drinks

140 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022