LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2020

MINT CONDITION

Hendrick’s Gin LCBO 637504, $52.95 TRY WITH…

WHAT TO SERVE

Choose wheat beer to part-

ner with Spring Roll Salad. Side Launch Wheat Beer ( LCBO 10075, 473 mL, $3.45) has subtle citrus and spice notes that play nicely with Vietnamese-­ inspired flavours.

Elderflower cordial is non-alcoholic and available at well-stocked grocers. If unavailable where you are, St-Germain Liqueur ( LCBO 180695, $49.95) makes a good substitute. Use the cordial and omit the gin for a virgin cocktail. Blackberry, cucumber & mint freeze

Succulent chicken with mint pesto meets a lively match in the vibrant citrus and herb notes of Sauvignon Blanc. Pour Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

1

2

3

Marlborough ( LCBO 277731, $16.95).

In a blender, combine 6 frozen (not fresh) black­ berries, 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped cucumber, juice of a quarter lemon, 1/2 oz elder­ flower cordial, 1 1/4 oz gin and 1 cup (250 mL) ice.

Blend until slushy, then add 5 mint leaves. Blend until chopped.

Pour into a rocks glass or goblet and garnish with more mint.

Makes 1 drink

Scrumptious cara- melized pineapple dolloped with fresh mint cream calls for sweet wine; try Henry of Pelham Special Select Late Harvest Vidal VQA ( LCBO 395228, 375 mL, $19.95) for a mouth-­ watering match.

Grow your own

New-growth mint leaves are tender and perfect for eating raw. No mint patch? A small pot or two will provide a summer’s worth. If you grow just one type, opt for spearmint, the kind commonly available at grocery stores.

104 

EARLY SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK