LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2023

EDITOR’S NOTES

Happy Holidays!

No matter the occasion, at this time of year gifts will inevitably be a part of your celebrations. Whether you’re shopping for a host, the dog walker, a secret Santa or that person on your list who is impossible to buy for, this issue is packed with lots of great ideas for what to give. Gifting beverage alcohol can seem a little imper sonal—depending on the bottle, of course!—but we’ve thought of ways to make it more one-on-one. For cocktail fans, create a cocktail kit centered around their favourite drink, or something you think they might like to try. You’ll find four ideas to get you thinking, starting on page 89. For the foodies on your list, a homemade component is the ideal special touch—plus a few thoughtful add-ons and the perfect drink accompaniment. In “Taste of Home” on page 105 we offer three super-simple recipes plus the extras that are sure to make unforgettable gifts. Are there art, movie, music or sports fans on your list? Check out “Famous Players” on page 177 for creative gift ideas for them too. Here we’ve been inspired by what will be trending around the holidays, suggesting bottles suited to each theme, along with some ideas for making that bottle just a little more special—a great way to amp up tickets or passes to an event. Once you’ve wrapped up all those

On the drinks side, made-ahead batched drinks are just the thing when entertaining— and make for unique gifts. You’ll find festive punches on page 158, DIY wood-aged cocktails on page 191 and a low alcohol wine cocktail on page 28. Bring any of these along to a party or package them up as special deliveries to drop off to friends. And finally, for wine lovers, “Top Shops” on page 136 leans into the most popular wine varietals on LCBO shelves and suggests just the right bottles to stock up on for hosting—and, you guessed it, gifting. We hope that this, our most popular issue of the year, brings you joy and that you refer to it again and again over the season. From the Food & Drink team, we wish you the happiest of holidays!

gifts, it’s time to settle in and get cook ing! From delicious new ideas for main courses that keep dietary and budget restrictions front of mind too (page 124) to a hearty and delicious winter lunch that’s perfect for coming in from the cold (page 150) and casseroles that can be made ahead for breakfast, lunch or dinner (page 185), this issue has just the thing for every moment over the holi days. Of course, sparkling wine has its shining moment at this time of year and in “Bubbling Point” on page 142 we’ve taken different party scenarios and cre ated the ideal recipe to serve, together with a perfectly matched sparkler.

For even more holiday gifting inspiration, check out the LCBO’s holiday gift guide on LCBO.com. Featuring seasonal pro duct releases in addition to year-round favourites, you’ll find perfectly cur ated bottles for hosting, gifting and your own personal enjoyment too!

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

16 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2023