LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2020

BRUNCH AT HOME

Lower- alcohol cocktails

Salty Dog

A cousin to the Greyhound, this sweet and sour sipper is juicier and saltier than its cocktail relative, making it the perfect brunch sidekick. This version is lower in alcohol than the classic recipe. If you’re a traditionalist, use 1  1/2 oz gin or vodka with 3 oz grapefruit juice. Kosher salt and a lime wedge, for rimmer 1 oz gin or vodka 5 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, about 1 grapefruit Lime wheel, for garnish 1 Place salt on a small plate. Pinch lime wedge around rim of a rocks glass. Turn outer rim in salt. Fill glass with ice. Pour in gin. Top with grapefruit juice. Garnish with lime. Give the Pimm’s cup a seasonal touch by incorporating fresh pear along with cucumber and lemon. Don’t hesitate to go big with the gar­ nishes; after all, this twist is meant for brunch. 1/2 pear 1/2 lemon 1 oz Pimm’s No. 1 Cup ( LCBO 282277, $27.40) 3 thin cucumber slices plus 1 cucumber slice, for garnishing 4 to 4 1/2 oz chilled ginger ale, plus more to taste 1 Cut 3 thin slices of pear, then holding the slices at one end spread them into a fan. Set aside. Cut remaining pear into small cubes. Cut 1 lemon slice. Set aside. Squeeze 2 tsp (10 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice from remaining lemon. Add to a Collins glass along with Pimm’s. Layer pear cubes, cucumber slices and ice cubes. Slowly top with ginger ale. Gently stir. Add more ginger ale, if you like. Garnish with pear, cucumber and lemon slices. Makes 1 cocktail Pear Pimm’s

The LCBO carries a variety of lower- and no-alcohol options—from Ontario wines to session beers and even lower‑percent spirits, too. Each makes a nice match for a leisurely daytime meal. On the lighter side

Beau’s Lug Tread 2.5% LCBO 17671, 473 mL, $3.35

Vineland Estates Semi‑Dry Riesling VQA LCBO 232033, $12.95 This off-dry Riesling offers great contrast when there’s spice on the menu. Botica Low Alcohol Gin LCBO 13736, 500 mL, $26.95 It has a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage than most gin but is still true to the London dry flavours. With strong citrus and juniper there’s enough spice to give depth to classic gin-based cocktails like a gin fizz.

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Selection Light Pinot Grigio LCBO 16775, $10.95 A crowd-pleasing classic Niagara white option with apple and pear notes and plenty of acidity. Add ice, soda and a little lemon for a refreshing brunch spritz. Bench Brewing Ball’s Falls Session IPA LCBO 481515, 473 mL, $3.25 This dry-hopped beer has pleasing bitterness and grapefruit, making it a great food-friendly brew.

This extra-light brew delivers on what you’ve come to expect from a full-flavoured craft beer. Refreshingly light and crisp, Lug Tread 2.5% is a satisfying and balanced lagered ale. Peroni Libera 0.0 LCBO 17222, 4 pk, $8.50 Slightly malty yet light and crisp, this is a non-alc take on the classic Italian lager. Enjoy hints of lemony hop flavour and a slight fruity sweetness met with a pleasing dry finish.

Shop the Issue at lcbo.com/ fdholiday20

Makes 1 cocktail

214 

HOLIDAY 2020 FOOD & DRINK