LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

KINDRED SPIRITS

Little Buddha Cocktail Co.

The journey from idea to store shelves has been a short one for Little Buddha cocktails. A dis- cussion over dinner just two years ago between friends and co-founders Anne-Marie Kypreos (left) and Kimberley Taylor (right) sparked an idea: better-for-you canned cocktails with clean, certified organic ingredients, less than 90 calories and zero grams of sugar. Their atti- tude was, “Let’s put together one we’d like, and see what happens.” First up was a grilled pineapple and rosemary vodka cocktail launched in April 2020. Tropical flavours are a nod to their roots: Kypreos lived in Florida, while Taylor was lo- cated in the Bahamas before moving to Ontario. To make their new product, they chose an Ontario distiller that uses renewable energy and sustainable practices, like donating the spent corn mash (used to distill alcohol) to local farm- ers to feed livestock. Moment of Zen The name “Little Buddha” was chosen because it encapsulates the founders’ belief in the mindfulness around the choices you make about what to put into your body.

“Maybe it was bold for two women to start a ready-to-drink cocktail company. When we started, we found only one other in North America. But we did it!”

Little Buddha Natural Peach Tea LCBO 19095, 355 mL, $2.95

New for 2021, it features juicy peach and tea flavours up front with red raspberry playing a supporting role. Sip straight from the can or freeze it in ice cube trays, and then blend the frozen cubes with orange juice for a slushy. Serve alongside grilled kebabs. Little Buddha Grilled Pineapple & Rosemary LCBO 14706, 355 mL, $2.95 With the aroma and taste of pineapple at first sip, you’ll taste fruit, followed by savoury carrot and pumpkin notes. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh rosemary. Pair with barbecued chicken or serve as a palate-cooler with Indian curry.

76

SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK