LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

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WorldClassDreams Diageo’s World Class Canada educates bartenders, creates community—and produces global champions.

DiageoWorld Class Canada 2021 winner James Grant will represent Canada at World Class 2021, held virtually fromMadrid July 4–8.

WorldClass Playbook

World Class Canada 2021 National Finalists (left to right): Oliver Stern (Ontario), Daphnee Dee (B.C.), JesseWerkman (Alberta), MatthewHassen (B.C.), James Grant (Alberta), Thomas Yeo (Quebec), Josh Mellet, James Park and Jess Mili (all Ontario).

×ä÷ìòñäï Ĥñäïö æëäïïèñêèö and winners in Toronto.

CANADIANBARTENDERS: picture a panel of global stars sampling your drinks. Imagine learning about industry issues—like sustainability, diversity and wellness—that make you a better professional. Envision this in a year when the bar community couldn’t gather. DiageoWorld Class Canada did that andmore this past spring in Toronto during theWorld Class Cocktail Festival. It featured virtual tastings, spotlighted stellar cocktails-to-go programs— and crowned a Canadian Champion to compete in the 2021 global final inMadrid. “The original plan was to have global industry celebrities here,” says Diageo’sMichael Armistead. In the end, international judges (like Singaporean 2019 World Class Global winner Bannie King and Bulleit BourbonMaster Blender Eboni Major) couldn’t

Live fromHome judged by Global Cocktailian Lauren Mote and 2013 World Class Global winner David Rios: James Grant. Curtains Up challenge with Crown Royal for the 50th Junos: Jesse Werkman. I nterview challenge with Instagram star Missrebeccaj: Thomas Yeo. Closing the Loop sustainable cocktails with Don Julio and Bulleit: Daphnee Dee. The Roaring Twenties Tanqueray gin retro-modern cocktails: Jess Mili. Madrid Menu Madness Spanish-inspired food-pairing challenge: Oliver Stern. Showtime speed bartending challenge: James Grant.

travel to Toronto, but fiveWorld Class Canadian champions provided judging andmentorship. Through aMaple Leaf Sports and Entertainment partnership, livestreamedWorld Class Canada events used the same stringent health and safety protocols as the NHL. Seven challenges honed bartenders’ skills, readying another champion for global competition. “Five years ago, Canada slid under the radar. Now all the countries come to see what Canada’s doing. It really demonstrates the strength of the Canadian bartending community,” says Armistead. World Class has educatedmore than 300,000 global bartenders since 2009. Watch for the World Class Canada Studios program in Canadian communities this winter.

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Making aWorldClassCocktail

Find these tips from 2017 World Class Canadian and Global champion Kaitlyn Stewart and more at worldclasscocktailfestival.com.

1. Martini: Keep premium gin, like Tanqueray 10, cocktail- ready in the fridge or freezer.

2. Margarita: High-quality tequila, such as Don Julio Blanco, has vibrant grassy and vegetal notes that shine through in a fresh- limeMargarita.

3. Espresso Martini: If you don’t have an espresso maker, complement Ketel One Vodka úì÷ë æòïç¡åõèú æòģèè äñç ä touch of simple syrup.

Try stirring instead of shaking Martinis, for smooth texture.