LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2018

keeping it LIGHT! Have you noticed low-alcohol cocktails, wines and beers popping up on restaurant menus? These lighter options are trending because they offer a pleasing way to start a meal while also matching food seamlessly. Instead of pairing each recipe separately, we’ve rounded up a collection of great low-octane drinks to match this entire light and airy lunch. It’s all about moderation!

STIEGL GRAPEFRUIT RADLER LCBO 334052, 500 mL, $3.00

Try a low alcohol by volume (ABV) radler that has all the brightness and effervescence of the beloved Bavarian lager while showcasing juicy, grapefruit sweetness. Pouring cloudy yellow with a hint of pink blush, it has citrus aromas and tartness that work well with the lavish seafood cakes. SOCIAL LITE GRAPEFRUIT POMELO LCBO 553214, 4 pk, $10.00 Sparkling with grapefruit essence and not a hint of sweetness, this refreshing bevvy comes across more like a seltzer than a typical cocktail, making it an easy match for food. DESCENDANTS BEER + BEVERAGE CO. EL BUSCADOR CERVEZA LCBO 476994, 473 mL, $3.25 A Canadian summertime staple, Mexican light lager is a perfectly acceptable beer choice for accompa­ nying a wintertime lunch menu. This pale gold brew has subtle cereal notes and a mild malty flavour that make it versatile for matching with food.

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 198853, $24.95

With all of the pleasing sweetness, lush fruit notes (like honeyed, zingy tangerine and grapefruit) and minerality you’d hope for in an Ontario Riesling, this wine is tailor-made for opulent lobster dishes like the seafood cakes. Bonus points for being organic and biodynamic and just 10.5%ABV—ticking a few wine-trend boxes on the list.

SOGRAPE GAZELA VINHO VERDE LCBO 141432, $9.95

Light-bodied and crisp, subtly sparkly and wonder­ fully aromatic, this cheerful, budget-friendly white rings in at only 9 to 10% ABV. It’s a great match for cheese and fruit or seafood.

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