LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2024

GIFTING

Better Bıtters Help home bartenders bring balance and complexity to cocktails. When you gift them their favourite spirit, pair it with a bottle of locally made bitters. From spicy to tropical, the unique flavour profiles of these concoctions will help them take mixed drinks to the next level.

BY DOUG WALLACE ————— PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB FIOCCA

Bitters are concentrated flavours that alter the taste, balance and aroma of cocktails with just a few drops. They act as the “salt and pepper” of the mixology world, adding complexity to drinks that feature just a few ingredients. When the cocktail was invented at the turn of the 19th century, bitters were spicy and astringent, but today there are a multitude of tasty flavours to choose from. Just layer in a smart acces sory or garnish—and that’s a cocktail-kit wrap.

FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTOPHER ST. ONGE; PROP STYLING BY CATHERINE M ac FADYEN

GIFT IT WITH

Upgrade Seasonal Sippers Handmade at a farm-based distillery in Prince Edward County, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits Coffee Pecan Bitters ($14.95, kinsip.ca) blends Pilot Coffee Roasters dark-coffee character with nuanced nuttiness. It can be splashed on spiced rum-on-the-rocks or a classic eggnog before dinner, or conclude the meal in a specialty coffee.

Vodkow Eggnog LCBO 28030, $29.95

Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum LCBO 19825, $33.25, not shown

Creamy yet lactose-free, this Almonte made liqueur in a retro dairy bottle has the gentle glow of winter spice and makes an ultra-local kit when combined with Ontario bitters.

From England, this boldly spiced rum supports flavours of caramel, vanilla, pineapple and cinnamon over an orange base note.

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HOLIDAY 2024 ————————

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