LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2022

INSIDE SCOOP

Blush Hour SEASONAL SIPS

the trick. Any rosé should be fine to mix with, but we like the dependable, affordable Gran Feudo Rosado ( LCBO 165845, $13.00 ). The same rules apply to sparkling rosé. The Cabernet Franc–based De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut ( LCBO 211466, $20.05 ) adds a wonderful blush to a French 75, and it’s terrific in a Champagne Cocktail with Peychaud’s bitters swapped in for Angostura.

If you love rosé, try mixing it into low-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks for the aperitivo hour. You can switch it in for white wine in any of the classics, including a Spritz, Bicicletta or Kir—it will bring its red berry flavours and pretty hue. It’s also wonderful in Sangria with the first strawberries of the season. To further boost the colour of rosé-based drinks, a splash of Campari, grenadine or pink grapefruit juice will do

TRENDSPOTTING POUCH SURFING

There’s a new type of packaging taking a crack at the bottle can monopoly. They’re called pouches, and their advantages

are many. For wine, they’re lighter, more portable and

chill faster than the equivalent amount of bottled wine—perfect for summer sipping. And, once opened, they last far longer because there’s no air pocket. Try the dry, fruity Calvet Rosé AOP ( LCBO 647149, 1.5 L, $19.95 ) for a cinq à sept, and the juicy Portuguese Bicycle Thief Red Blend ( LCBO 18995, 1.5 L, $16.15 ) is perfect for burger night. Over in the ready-to-drink aisle, you’ll find a different kind of pouched beverage. Whether you want the bright pink Palm Bay Frozen Dragonfruit Watermelon Pouc h ( LCBO 24393, 296 mL, $3.50 ) or the cream soda–esque Mike’s Hard Frozen White Freeze Pouch ( LCBO 24395, 296 mL, $3.50 ), just pop them in the freezer for a refreshing frozen drink—no blender required.

(POUCHES) VINCENT NOGUCHI

32 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2022