LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

WELL STOCKED

Favourite Mixers

› Italian amari (bitter, post-meal digestif spirits) are trending, but they can be pricey to serve to a large gathering! Pour a bottle of Ontario-made Alpenbitter No. 7 (LCBO 213900, $24.95) into chilled liqueur or shot glasses and garnish with fresh or candied orange peel, to accent this tipple’s blend of green herbs, gentle spices, caramel and dried fruit. › Make nearly any rum cocktail when you have bottles of pale golden Havana Club Original 3 Year Old (LCBO 337667, $30.45) and dark-amber Flor de Caña 5 Year Añejo Clásico Rum (LCBO 602920, $30.45) behind the bar. Havana Club’s hints of tropical banana and creamy vanilla help make upscale Mojitos. Aged Nicaraguan rum uplifts eggnog and swaps in nicely for bourbon in a Rum Old Fashioned. › El Jimador Tequila Blanco (LCBO 173617, $38.20) comes from Casa Herradura, the celebrated home of one of Mexico’s top tequilas. It’s made with the same 100 per cent Weber blue agave, authentic earthy notes and care as its top shelf counterpart, and makes a great Margarita or Paloma. › Because it’s aged in sherry casks, Spanish brandy such as Torres 10 Year Old (LCBO 522359, $31.70) is laden with fruitcake flavours like vanilla, candied peel and nuts, which unfold on a long finish. It will elevate your mulled wine, and makes a rich dessert sip or drizzle on ice cream, pies and cakes. spiked with flavourful brandy or alpine-style bitter liqueur. Amp up blended, shaken or fruity cocktails with these spirits that offer flavours that are bigger than their price tags! And try serving warming after-dinner or dessert drinks that are

WINES UNDER $11 Whether you’re on a tight budget or serving a crowd, this trio has got you covered.

Packed with dark berry flavours and a smoky finish, Luccarelli Negroamaro (LCBO 380972, $9.45) is an absolute steal. Buy it by the case for a neighbourhood drop-in or pizza party.

Rosé in winter? Why not! Light, delicate and floral, Botter Oggi Pinot Grigio Rosato (LCBO 17901, $10.50) is the perfect pour during the cocktail hour with a shrimp ring or goat cheese canapés.

Crisp and refreshing with a core of zesty grapefruit, Toro Bravo Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc (LCBO 10711, $8.95) is the ultimate party white. Guests will be snapping photos of this one.

96 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022