LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

READY FOR THE WEEKEND

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THIS DIP IS ON FIRE! A gooey, cheesy dip will always be a summer party hit. We’ve created a flexible version of this crowd pleaser, but it’s prepared over a flame so you can whip it up in the backyard or even when camping. Find our recipe for Campfire Queso on p. 119. Serve it up with a mix of dippers such as chips, sliced bread, mini potatoes and pepper chunks.

Night Caps Extend your next summery feast with one of these enchanting sippers.

plant-based burger and patty options. 8

Better Bought: Veggie Burgers After loads of testing and tasting, here are some recommended ready-to-cook veggie and

Forty Creek Cinnamon Bun Cream LCBO 44150, $33.95 With Forty Creek’s delicious whisky-forward cream liqueur as a base, this cinnamon bun–inspired version is perfect served neat or over ice.

TASTY AND VEGETABLE-FORWARD: Nanak Veggie Burger Patties (look for them at Real Canadian Superstores, Loblaws and Fortinos) FLAVOURFUL BEAN-BASED: Wholly Veggie the Black Bean Veggie Burger (Goodness Me! Natural Food Market) READILY AVAILABLE CRISPY CHICKEN ALT: Yves Veggie Cuisine Breaded Chick’n Veggie Burgers (look for them at your local grocery store) VIRTUOUS, MINIMAL-INGREDIENT PICK: My Little Chickpea Gourmet Foods Chickpea Veggie Burger (look for these at your local grocery store) GO-TO BEEF DUPES: Cardinal Roadhouse Veggie Burgers or Beyond Burgers Plant-Based Burgers (look for them at Longo’s or at local vegan grocers or health-food grocery stores)

Licor 43 Horchata LCBO 44157, $35.95

Combining the original Licor 43 liqueur with Valencian horchata makes a silky sweet sip. Enjoy simply over crushed ice or mixed into after-dinner cocktails.

Tromba Cafeto Crafted Tequila Coffee Liqueur LCBO 44161, $39.95 This Mexican coffee and tequila- based liqueur is a real treat. Serve in place of the traditional post-meal cup of coffee or as a complement to dessert.

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Luxardo Del Santo LCBO 44147, $34.45 Enjoy sipping this complex herbal liqueur chilled and neat or try it in a classic cocktail like the Last Word as a digestif.

SUMMER STAPLE: RANCH DRESSING Beyond the classic salad toss, this dressing is great drizzled over boiled and grilled corn, used as a chicken marinade or even subbed in for mayo on summery tomato sandwiches. Since it’s easier than making homemade, I always keep a store-bought one on hand. Consider Canadian celeb chef Matty Matheson’s Ranch Dressing Vinaigrette by Matheson Food Company.

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———————— SUMMER 2025