LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

EDITOR’S NOTES

Easy Entertaining With the Victoria Day weekend (the unofficial kickoff to summer) just around the corner, we look forward to a good long stretch of evenings and weekends spent outside soaking up the warm weather—and as much time as we can with family and friends. These are days to be savoured, and that’s why it’s important that the focus is on enjoying the moment, rather than long lists and time spent in the kitchen or at the bar. It should all be easy, and you’ll find plenty of ways to make sure of that in this issue. A good place to start is with super-simple cocktails and, for maximum refreshment factor, something with Spritz! In “Burst Your Bubbles” on page 53 you’ll find three fresh takes on that popular drink—including the Spagett cocktail that was a viral sensation. Each one is so delicious and easy to make (and budget-friendly too) that you’ll be serving them all summer long. Keeping with the refreshing bubbles theme, a couple more simple cocktail solutions can be found in our “Inside Scoop” section—choose from the Hugo cocktail (page 34), a lighter-style Spritz with added elder

So, drinks are covered! What to eat? In this issue you’ll find the humble sandwich elevated to patio lunch perfection with fresh flavours and global influences, on page 37. There is a retro revival going on and we have applied that to desserts, starting on page 121—the S’Mores Slab Pie will be making an appearance or two at my place this summer, no baking required, thank you very much. And, if you’re in charge of the BBQ, you won’t want to miss our ribs feature starting on page 66: it’s full of great recipes, tips and techniques (plus some suggestions for a cold one to sip alongside). Summer is here and we hope this issue of Food & Drink helps make the living easy. As always, we love hearing from you and what you’ve tried, so don’t forget to tag us too!

flower liqueur, or the Old Cuban (page 19), a mashup of a Mojito and a French 75 with a splash of bubbly—both are perfect for those first really warm nights. Easy cocktails? Check! But what could be easier than simply chilling and opening a bottle of wine? If you’re looking for a new go-to patio sipper for yourself and to introduce to your friends,“In a Grape Mood” on page 45 has plenty of interest ing options whether you prefer white, rosé or (here it is again…) bubbly. This is also the time of year when the LCBO releases all of their new ready-to-drink products and you’ll find some of our faves starting on page 74. From new flavours to fun formats (all of them so convenient—no mixing required) these are the ideal products to fill your coolers with every long weekend.

A BOTTLE FOR EVERY OCCASION There are many reasons to celebrate this time of year. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, a wed ding shower or a cottage hostess gift, you’ll find plenty of suggestions for what to give throughout these pages—and whether in LCBO stores or online, don’t forget to add on a gift bag. Easy, right?

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

12 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023