LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

CHEER ON YOUR TEAM

Supporters gather together for play-off games in the NHL and NBA, while true Blue Jays fans know every game matters, even this early in the season.

Mascot Brewery Juicy J IPA LCBO 37003, 473 mL, $3.60 “Juicy” IPAs have become a subcategory of their own, using specific hops to conjure up unmistakably fruit-forward flavours. Toronto brewery Mascot dry-hops this strong IPA with Citra, Citra Cryo and Motueka varieties, creating a citrus-bomb of a beer that projects illusions of lemon, grapefruit, blood orange and tangerine onto a smooth, malty background.

Innis & Gunn Tequila Cask Blonde Beer LCBO 38087, 473 mL, $3.50

Hennessy VS NBA LCBO 32393, $74.95

Cottage Springs Crew Pack Flavoured Vodka LCBO 36455, 4 pk, $39.95 Best known for its sugar-free canned vodka sodas and waters, Toronto-based Cottage Springs is now offering actual flavoured vodkas—at 35 per cent ABV, they’re slightly lighter than most. The four-pack is a great way to sample all four varieties—Peach, Pineapple, Grape and Blood Orange— just what you need to add inspiration to your pregame cocktail-making program.

Hennessy has long part nered with the National Basketball Association, creating merchandise and supporting charitable causes. This season’s VS limited edition is as bold, balanced and rich as any NBA star—perfect for classic cocktails or toasting your favourite team in the play-offs.

The latest innovation from the Scottish masters of cask-matured beers involves ageing a blonde ale in casks once used to hold reposado tequilas. The result is a well‑balanced, refreshing brew, golden coloured with malty richness. Do you taste tequila? Once you look for it, a pleasant top note of earthy, vegetal agave does seem to emerge!

No time to fix yourself a Transfusion? The same classic cocktail comes canned and ready to pour. Look for Sandbagger Transfusion ( LCBO 37106, 355 mL, $2.95 ) or Triple Bogey Transfusion ( LCBO 37395, 355 mL, $3.0 0).

Buy these glasses at the LCBO! (See p. 24)

THE TRANSFUSION (recipe p. 124)

Devised on a golf course by U.S. President Eisenhower, this fruity vodka cocktail combines the tastes of ginger ale and Concord grape juice in a delightfully refreshing way.

68 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2024