LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

COCKTAILS Higher

In top bars, a “call drink” is one where you specify your favourite spirit brand in a cocktail order. From a Tanqueray 10 Martini to a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned, calling for a top-shelf liquor in a fine lounge raises the bar on your cocktail order. Replicate that elevated experience at home, by treating your guests to a transformative cocktail featuring fine spirits that give drinks an aromatic burst, rich flavours and opulent texture. We’ve also included the latest in pro-level and luxe garnishes and serving tips. Though an ultra-premium, ultra-aged or very special bottle of spirits might carry a higher price tag, using it to flavour a signature cocktail means it can stretch to dozens of drinks over several entertaining occasions. Plus, isn’t this holiday season the perfect opportunity to splash out with something special for your loved ones? Standards With these recipes, simplicity is key. They put the spotlight on the unique characteristics of the base spirit and let them shine. At the core of each is a premium offering that nudges the taste profile to a whole new level. BY CHARLENE ROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN KEMPER

VintageYork p. 246

TRY WITH

FINISHING TOUCHES NICE ICE

Canadian Club 45 LCBO 28582, $499.95

For pro-quality clarity, invest in an insulated clear ice-making unit (True Cubes, Ice-Ology and Eparé are just a few brands). Tucked inside your freezer, it creates the “directional freezing” that produces crystal-clear cubes or spheres. amazon.ca

Whisky with a dash of bitters was one of the original cocktails, a so-called Bittered Sling. Here, an ultra-aged Canadian whisky provides decadent caramel and rich spice, with herbaceous and nutty notes from a complex amaro (Italian for bitter).

Poli Vaca Mora Amaro

LCBO 662726, 700mL, $38.55

FOOD STYLING BY MICHAEL ELLIOTT; PROP STYLING BY CATHERINE MACFADYEN

FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022 191