LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2024

THE LIGHT TOUCH

Choose a preserved or fermented version of a flavouring (like preserved lemon instead of fresh citrus juice) to add mouthfeel and savoury layers to a reduced-alcohol drink. Replace juice with flavoured sparkling water for a taste boost without the sugar.

Preserved Lemon Paloma

4 oz Preserved Lemon & Grapefruit Juice (recipe p. 112), see TIP Edible Flower Ice Cubes (optional, recipe p. 105) 2 oz chilled high-quality grapefruit soda, like Fever-Tree 1 oz chilled grapefruit-flavoured sparkling water (optional) 2 grapefruit triangles for garnish 1. Pour tequila and juice into a chilled rocks glass. Add ice cubes, or Edible Flower Ice Cubes, to fill to two thirds and stir to chill. Pour in grapefruit

soda and grapefruit sparkling water, if using. Stir. Garnish with grapefruit triangles.

Preserved lemon adds a slight saltiness and refined funkiness that enhances the complexity and sharpness of a lighter pour of tequila in this low-alcohol drink. If the (edible) rind of the preserved lemons is still firm, don’t incorporate it into the purée: just scrape out the soft centres, leaving any seeds behind.

Makes 1 drink

TIP Find preserved lemons at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online (amazon.ca). Whole pickled lemons from Middle Eastern grocers—not South Asian lemon (or lime) pickle!— make a good substitute. You can also find a recipe to make your own at LCBO.com/fdspring24.

1/2 oz blanco tequila, such as 1800 Blanco Tequila ( LCBO 227678, $44.45 )

34 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2024