LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2021

INSIDE SCOOP

SEASONAL SIPS Quick ’nog To enjoy eggnog without the work and big-batch commitment, here’s a cheater’s guide to whipping up a delicious drink.

GIFTING

Vessel mania GIFTING When giving the gift of spirits, you’ll find a number of liquors packaged in bottles so beautiful the empties are objets d’art . Here are three worth seeking out. No strings attached More often than not, aprons are giv- en as gag gifts—puns over function. Not the aprons from Linen Way. Designed in Canada and made in Europe using top-quality linen, these aprons are stylish and comfortable, with big pockets and no strings around the neck or waist. “It fits most body types with great coverage, and it’s very simple to slip into,” says Kathie Jordan, who sells the aprons online and at her home décor shop, Kathie Jordan Design, in New Ham- burg, Ont. (just west of Kitchener). “They can even be worn as daywear over a T-shirt and leggings—they’re that nice!” The Cuisine line, which comes in 24 colours, is the most popular, and there’s even one for kids. Linen Way Aprons, $48 to $88, kathiejordandesign.com

Base Many local dairies make high-quality eggnog for the holiday season. Our favourites include Kawartha Dairy (kawarthadairy.com), Hewitt’s (hewittsdairy.com), not shown, and Harmony Organic (harmonyorganic.ca).

Alcohol Rum, brandy and bourbon are egg- nog’s big three. But if you want to mix things up, try Smirnoff Peppermint Twist ( LCBO 465278, $29.20), a minty vodka, or Kahlúa Vanilla ( LCBO 21619, 375 mL, $16.95) for a hit of coffee flavour. (Since Kahlúa is a liqueur, you might need an extra splash of cream to balance its sweetness.)

Garnish To give the drink that made-from-scratch look, top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. Or go with a festive flourish, like a mini gingerbread man or a rim of crushed candy canes.

Mazzetti Grappa di Nebbiolo da Barolo in Decanter LCBO 348011, 700 mL, $169.95

Isle of Harris Gin LCBO 16100, $88.50

Gold Bar Whiskey LCBO 11689, $64.95

Shop the issue at lcbo.com/fdholiday21

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HOLIDAY 2021 FOOD & DRINK