LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2024

MAKE IT EASY

Easy Breezy Light Beers

Easy Entertaining Drinks 101

When planning a party, let yourself off the hook by only shaking up easily memorized cocktails or just whip up a big-batch punch so guests can serve themselves. In addition to those sippers, round up the usual suspects—beers, wines and coolers—but consider adding some low- and no-alcohol options to that list, too.

Beyond filling the cooler with classic brews, try to have some lighter beers on hand, too. Serve up summery hits like Cowbell Brewing Co. Smooth Sailing Light Lager ( LCBO 25075, 473 mL, $3.50 ), Beau’s Lug Lite ( LCBO 28735, 473 mL, $3.25 ) and Bellwoods Ultra Light Lager ( LCBO 38912, 473 mL, $3.50 ).

Hurricane Punch (p. 127) Warm weather parties are much more festive when something juicy and summery is being poured— something like this NOLA-inspired rum punch. This sipper happens to be equally delicious served alcohol-free. Make it extra pretty by adding wheels of citrus to the pitcher or drinks dispenser.

WANT TO FLEX YOUR BARTENDING SKILLS?

Avoid getting in the weeds by offering up classics that have easy-to-recall ratios like a Negroni, Margarita or Paper Plane. Or whip up this big-batch twist on a classic Hurricane in advance so you have something ready to go. The bonus: guests serve themselves!

SNACK SIDEKICKS Food-friendly sparklers are always a surefire hit, especially since they go with almost anything. Think Nozeco Rosé Dealcoholized ( LCBO 36461, $12.95 ), Lola Light Rosé VQA ( LCBO 32182, $14.95 ) and small bottles of Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso ( LCBO 17835, 200 mL, $6.95 ).

44 FOOD & DRINK SUMMER 2024