LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2020

COCKTAIL CLASSICS — �

THE CLASSIC Put 8 mint leaves, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 1 tsp (5 mL) of superfine sugar and 2 oz of white rum in a tall glass and muddle until the mint is bruised and sugar dissolved. Add 6 ice cubes, top with 2 oz soda water and stir. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. ELDERBERRY TWIST Dial up the summer factor with gin instead of rum and elder- flower spritz (like Bottlegreen) instead of soda. + Makes 1 drink

Our vote for the most playful classic cocktail goes to the Mojito, a seriously refreshing summer highball that’s got it all—cool mint, sweet rum and tart lime, all topped off with a splash of fizz. Since it’s built on classic proportions, you can play with a range of different spirits and mixers and the drink will still hold up. Mastering Mojitos

RUM TWIST Lighten up your Manhattan by swapping out whisky and using a good rum instead. We tried, and liked, Fortress ( LCBO 667014, $49.95) from Nova Scotia. +

THE CLASSIC Add 2 oz rye whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 5 ice cubes to a mixing glass. Stir well for 45 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a plump, rich amarena cherry from Italy, like Toschi or Fabbri brands.

We’ll take Manhattans

The secret to a great Manhattan is a healthy pour of sweet vermouth that rounds out this elegant and perfectly balanced classic.

Makes 1 drink

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SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK