LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

INSIDE SCOOP

Trendspotting A roundup of what we’re into this season.

Nuts for Yogurt Whether you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, one of your best options for dairy free yogurt is made right here in Ontario. Simpla Plant-Based Coconut Yogurt is thick, rich and tangy, and the coconut flavour is not overpowering. There’s a plain, unsweetened version for savoury preparations, but we’re most fond of lemon, which is great for smoothies, parfaits or summer snacking. To find Simpla yogurt near you, visit simplafoods.com/stockists.

Life of Pie Pizza for dessert? Why not! The latest home-baking trend features a giant sugar cookie smeared with cream cheese frosting and topped with a cornucopia of fresh fruit. It’s a lot easier than making pie and way more flexible. Give our Fruit Pizza recipe a whirl (page 136).

At Spritz End There’s a new spritz in town, and his name is Hugo. Invented in the Italian Alps and popularized in Switzerland, the refreshing aperitif features Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and a splash of soda. Now making headway in North America, it’s the prefect libation for those who eschew strong spirits. Try our recipe (page 136) for an easy cocktail at your next get-together.

Tutti Frutti Once pigeonholed as a single style, fruit beers are rid ing a wave of pop ularity and we’re seeing more and more iterations coming to the fore. From an orange sour to a tropical IPA, here are four fruity brews to try this summer. —By Jordan St. John

CITRUS

CRANBERRY

STONE FRUIT

TROPICAL

Sawdust City’s Tropical Storm Sour Cranberry Mule ( LCBO 31577, 473 mL, $4.50 ) borrows from mixology to liven up your summer sipping with its tart cranberry juice, zesty lime and spicy ginger.

Rorschach Brewing’s Hedonism Passionfruit Blood Orange Guava Sour IPA ( LCBO 30142, 355 mL, $3.85 ) may sound like liquid fruit salad, and while it does deliver an explosion of flavour, the balance is spot on.

A classic of the genre, St-Ambroise Apricot

Ideal for brunch or as an afternoon sipper, Collective Arts Daily Forecast Mimosa Style Beer ( LCBO 25099, 473 mL, $3.9 5) blends freshly squeezed orange juice with a lightly sour beer for a tart, refreshing brew.

Wheat Ale ( LCBO 338343, 473 mL, $3.15 ) conveys the sweetness and fragrance of peak-season apricots without any sour edge. Perfect for a sun-drenched backyard hang.

YOGURT IMAGE SUPPLIED BY SIMPLA

34 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023