LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2022

INSIDE SCOOP

TRENDSPOTTING Insta cup

Instant coffee has come a long way, baby! Forget about those grim jars of yore: the country’s top roasters are flexing their muscles with revelatory cups of freeze- dried joe. The little packets they offer are perfect for travelling, but they’re also great to have on hand for brunch—especially to offer the option of decaf without having to brew a whole pot. Our favourites include the smooth, rich Dispatch Blend Saisonnier ($20, 6 pk, dispatchcoffee.ca) and the chocolaty Pilot Coffee Roasters Heritage ($20.95, 7 pk, pilotcoffeeroasters.com.)

Irish Elder If you want to raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day but green beer isn’t your thing, consider mixing up an Irish Elder (recipe on page 105). A signature drink of food editor Eric Vellend, this Old Fashioned variation sweetens fruity Irish whiskey with a splash of elderflower liqueur and ties everything together with orange bitters and a lemon twist. Sláinte! Visit lcbo.com/fdcocktail to watch this drink being made. cocktail of the month

Available in April

GIFTING What to bring Whether you’re in­ vited to Easter dinner, a Passover Seder or an Earth Day fete, gift a great bottle to show you care.

Easter From Chile’s Colchagua Valley, this smoky, complex red blend (domina­ ted by Syrah and Carménère) is out- standing with roast lamb. Emiliana Coyam ( VINTAGES 63891, $29.95)

Passover This fruity Bordeaux-style blend from Israel’s Golan Heights is excel- lent with brisket, and it’s kosher for Passover. Yarden Mount Hermon Red KP ( VINTAGES 611293, $22.65)

Earth Day A spectacular Chard from a certified organic winery in Niagara, tastes like white Burgundy twice its price. Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay VQA ( VINTAGES 68817, $29.95)

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SPRING 2022 FOOD & DRINK