LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2017

DRINK  SPIRITS

LONG WEEKEND

BY MICHELLE P. E. HUNT & LAURA PANTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE drinks

FLAVOURFUL COCKTAILS THAT ARE LIGHT ON ALCOHOL LET YOU KICK BACK AND ENJOY LATE SUMMER AFTERNOONS WITHOUT OVERDOING IT.

One of the biggest drink trends emerging for 2017 is a lower-alcohol cocktail option. Ideal for sunny afternoons, these refreshers

are a great way to enjoy cocktails that are light, fresh and delicious.    Often they’re made with flavourful products called aperiti- vos, a term that describes bitter and herbaceous liquors but can also include sake, sherry, vermouths and even wine varietals, which are combined with fruit juices and sodas to create a won- derful variety of new drinks that are lighter than our traditional summer sippers.    We have used classic products and some brand new offer- ings to craft unique and delicious cocktails that will delight your guests: perfect for an afternoon on the patio. LUXARDO BITTER BIANCO LCBO 495747, $23.95 This new entry to our market is a classic spirit from one of Italy’s oldest distillers. Bitter Bianco is a clear liquid with a perfectly balanced palate of bitter herbs, citrus notes and a sweet fin- ish, and it can be used to create everything from a lighter-style version of a Negroni to a clear and simple spritz. We utilize the unique notes to enhance our Italian Paloma, with ruby red grapefruit, agave and lime.

Italian Paloma recipe on page 144

FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2017 51