LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

HIP TO SIP

Snack-tails The original drink and snack in one is a Caesar garnished with celery (or bacon, pep- peroni, a pickled bean, a slider…). Take your “meal cocktail” game to the next level with our garden-fresh gin refresher, served with a side of dippers and a savoury dip. Find the recipes for Summer Garden Citrus Gin Fizz on page 174 and Feta, Lemon & Dill Slather at lcbo.com/fdsummer21 (though any savoury dip will do!). — Irene Matys

The Gamay grape is having a moment right now, and for very good reason. It’s best known as the grape of French Beaujolais wines, but great value-packed Gamays are coming out of Niagara. The grape produces wines with vibrant fruit flavours like sour cherry, pomegranate and plum. And its typical fresh acidity and low tannins make it a perfect summer food partner. Yay for Gamay!

So Charming Château des Charmes Gamay Noir VQA ( LCBO 57349, $15.95) has red cherry and black plum aromas and a green pepper hint. Its re- freshing acidity complements charcuterie and cheese.

Gamay Bouquet With raspberry and red plum on the nose and a light floral character, Cave Spring Gamay VQA ( LCBO 228569, $16.95) is perfectly placed beside a platter of grilled sausages and peperonata.

Elegant Match Malivoire Gamay VQA

( VINTAGES 591313, $19.95) hits an elegant note with bright cranberry and dried herbs. It matches ideally with lamb off the grill. — Tonia Wilson-Vuksanovic

Cider branches out We love traditional apple and pear ciders, but these new pastel-hued options crafted by Ontario cideries are on trend with juicy berry and bright citrus flavours.

Collective Arts Cranberry Blood Orange Cider LCBO 19987, 473 mL, $4.25 Tart and dry, with candied orange and cranberry-apple juice aromas, this fizzy cider is super refreshing and dramatically coloured.

Brickworks Ciderhouse Strawberry Blush Nitro cider LCBO 19971, 440 mL, $4.25 This apple blossom and berry cider is bone-dry, but the innovative nitrogen gas widget in each can adds a creamy, luscious mouth feel and the

perception of sweetness without any added sugar. It’s an Ontario first!

— TL

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SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK