LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

INSIDE SCOOP

THE BLUEPRINT The Spritz Family

While the Aperol Spritz has become the belle of the bar, we prefer the bolder version made with Campari. Either way, the 3:2:1 spritz ratio (3 oz sparkling wine, 2 oz modifier, 1 oz soda) is flexible and adaptable, yielding a whole range of refreshing, spirit-free cocktails. Just gently mix the ingredients in an ice-filled wineglass, garnish and you’re good to go! Find recipes on p. 132.

SPRITZ

CAMPARI

JEREZ

PINK

LAMBRO

Lambrusco

Rosé crémant

Prosecco

Cava

SPARKLING MODIFIER SODA EXTRAS GARNISH

Crème de cassis

Lillet Blanc

Campari

Fino sherry

Berry soda water

Pink grapefruit soda

Plain soda water

Sparkling lemonade

For a less sweet, less bitter substitute for Campari, try Martini Fiero ( LCBO 16079, $30.05 ).

1/2 tsp (2 mL) simple syrup, 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters

1/2 oz simple syrup

2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice

None

Strawberry half

Pink grapefruit wedge

Long, thin lemon twist

Pimento olives on a cocktail pin

SEASONAL SIPS WHAT’S BREWING

As summer approaches, beer drinkers crave lighter brews, both in style and alcohol. Fortunately, brewers are down with this shift, offering a wide range of seasonal suds for sipping. Here are four Ontario-made faves.

Bench Brewing Ball’s Falls Session IPA LCBO 481515, 473 mL, $3.55

Blood Brothers Mighty Eagle American‑Style Lager LCBO 37763, 473 mL, $3.75

A low-bitterness IPA built for summer, with juicy hops bringing peach and citrus flavours. Creemore Witbier LCBO 32715, 473 mL, $3.80 Crisp and dry, this cloudy, Belgian style wheat beer has classic flavours of banana, citrus and cloves.

Clean, bright and refreshing, its stars-and stripes can is perfect for expats celebrating Memorial Day on May 27. Waterloo Mango Passionfruit Radler LCBO 38043, 473 mL, $3.25 The latest radler from Waterloo is a tropical thirst-quencher, and at 2.5 per cent alcohol by volume, it’s a perfect low‑buzz option.

18 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2024