LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

Gin at the table Try adding a splash of gin in fresh summer foods like these. Cold soups such as gazpacho (try our Thai Gazpacho Verde ), watermelon or cucumber. Add 1/2 oz gin to our One-Hour Pickled Cukes . Our Gin & Tonic Bundt Cake , which includes gin in the batter, syrup and glaze!

Eco Gin Gin producers are foraging for local botanicals, farming in earth-nurturing ways and running sustainable distilleries.

In its pale green glass bottle, Ramsbury Single Estate Gin ( LCBO 36494, 700 mL, $49.95 ) is as fresh as the English countryside, where it’s made from a base spirit of local wheat and botanicals like quince, grown on its own Wiltshire farm. Find coordinates for the specific field where each bottle’s grains are grown, and even view live energy-savings data for the eco-friendly farm online (ramsbury.com). Savour it in a G&T garnished with crisp slices of green apple. A more botanical-forward blend, Georgian Bay Eco-Friendly Gin ( LCBO 36435, $39.95 ) comes in a unique paper bottle that’s recyclable, including its plastic liner. It has a carbon footprint that’s six times lower than glass. Enjoy the beloved, botanical-forward Ontario gin along with its makers’ commitment to planting a tree (through Canada’s Forest Trust) for every bottle sold.

Each year, grey whales migrate from Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to the Arctic. Gray Whale Gin ( LCBO 30722, $52.95 ) celebrates their passage with flavours of sustainably grown California kelp, lime, mint and almond. Every bottle purchased supports donations to conservation group Oceana. The base spirit for Arbikie Nàdar Climate Positive Gin ( LCBO 36432, $62.95 ) is distilled from fertilizer-free peas, meaning that this Scottish gin removes more carbon emissions than it produces, making it climate positive. Makrut lime leaf and lemongrass energize a citrusy gin, which matches well with ginger ale or a fresh ginger garnish.

Find these recipes at LCBO.com/ fdearlysummer24

Speaking Gin-Spanish Join the craze for Gin Tonicas, served in balloon-style wineglasses with tonic and flavour boosted with juniper berries and other botanicals. Try Ontario-made Valley of Mother of God Gin ( LCBO 13397, $59.95 ) with thin slices of green apple, rosemary sprigs and dried cranberries, plus citrus zest and juniper berries.

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILIE SIMPSON

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