LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021

Fun fact: Bitter tonic water was created as medicine containing quinine (to fight malaria in tropical regions) that went down smoother with gin.

THE SPECIALISTS If you’re a fanatic for a particular cocktail, use the ultimate gin for that drink. The aviator It’s no surprise that the Portland, Ore.-based founders of Aviation Gin ( LCBO 129940, $39.95) created the light juniper spirit (often dubbed a New Western Dry-style gin) specifically to shine in the Aviation cocktail. While violet- infused liqueur traditionally adds light aromatics and a celestial tint, the drink is equally lovely without it. Martini magic Using a slightly overproof spirit such as Boodles Gin ( LCBO 397539, $29.95), which is 45.2 percent alcohol by volume (instead of the typical 40 percent), means a shaken or stirred Martini is still vibrantly flavourful after it’s properly diluted. Cup runneth over The gin-based aperitif Pimm’s No. 1 Cup ( LCBO 282277, $27.40) is so famous it spawned its own cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup: Find the recipe on the back label.

Give Martinis exquisite aromatics with shiso or yuzu essences from The Japanese Bitters (available at cocktail emporium.com).

Find recipes for gin cocktails at lcbo.com/fdearlysummer21.