LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

INSIDE SCOOP

Picks for Dad Can’t decide what to get dad for Father’s Day? Here’s a few ideas... GIFTING

From a day trip to a full weekend, treat dad to Muskoka Beer Spa (muskokabeerspa.com),

Made in Toronto, Smoke & Tears Green Godless Smoked Jalapeño Verde Hot Sauce ( 240 mL,

a unique vacation experience run by

Clear Lake Brewing Co. You can enjoy a swim, steam, hot tub, sauna, massage, gourmet pub grub and, of course, a few cold ones.

$15 , smokeandtears.ca) is a favourite condiment of Food Editor Eric Vellend. “It’s sweet, sour, smoky, savoury and not too spicy. I shake it on just about everything.”

For the oenophile who has every thing, the Oggi Wine Cooler with Freezer Inserts

If Papa Bear is a red meat, red wine kind of guy, then the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon (VINTAGES 578005, $74.9 5) is worth the splurge. Decant for current enjoyment, or cellar it for up to 5 years. Just make sure you’re invited over when he opens it.

( $48.99 , amazon.ca) is the best option for keeping wine cold for hours without the drippy mess of an ice bucket. Only the inserts need to be frozen, so it won’t hog room in the freezer.

Ready, Steady, Go! From a beloved brand’s latest release to a trendy cocktail from the Lone Star state, here are our top three RTDs (ready-to-drinks) for summer. For a more extensive roundup of what’s new this year, see page 74. WHAT’S NEW

Lone River Ranch Water Original Hard Seltzer LCBO 31308, 4 pk, $11.95 A canned version of Texas’s favourite highball, in this case featuring soda water, agave, key lime juice and a neutral spirit. Each can has only 80 calories.

Bacardí Rum Punch LCBO 31295, 355 mL, $2.95 Sweetened with cane sugar and spiked with Bacardi Superior rum, this sparkling beverage is a tropical mélange of mango, pineapple and passionfruit.

Sandbagger Pink Grapefruit Hard Seltzer LCBO 31235, 355 mL, $2.90 Just in time for golf season, there’s a new flavour of these local gin-based hard seltzers. This one tones down the sour, and amps up the fresh, floral nature of grapefruit.

24 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023