LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

INSIDE SCOOP

DAYTRIPPER Cottage Country Cuisine

If you’re hosting or visiting this summer, take a break from flipping burgers and treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of these local restaurants. – JESSICA HURAS

DOWN HOME, MARKDALE downhomerestaurant.com Hosted at Hannah Harradine and Joel Gray’s farmhouse in Grey County, this tasting menu experience feels more like an intimate dinner party. The exquisite dishes feature foraged and homegrown ingredients alongside Ontario wine pairings. Housed in a former woodshop, this no-frills gem in the Kawartha Lakes features belly-busting plates of slow-smoked ribs, links and brisket. The meaty mains are supported by Southern-style sides like sweet beans and coleslaw. RHUBARB, MINDEN rhubarbhali.com Take in the pretty views of Mirror Lake while savouring homey bistro fare including salmon saltimbocca and signature pork schnitzel. Beers are from its sister microbrewery Boshkung Brewing Co., while the wine list includes top-notch Ontario producers. MUDDY’S PIT BBQ, KEENE muddysbbq.ca

READY-TO-DRINK LOCAL FLAVOUR

In addition to your big- brand favourites, keep your eyes out for new beverages from small

Ontario producers on the RTD shelves in stores and online. You’ll find first-time vendors, unique products and trending flavours to add to your bar this summer. Here are three worth checking out. Burdock Brewery Lit Pickle Hard Seltzer LCBO 43487, 355 mL, $3.50 A one-of-a-kind, three- ingredient refresher of soda water, vodka and Bubbies pickle brine. Crawler Prickly Pear LCBO 41422, 355 mL, $3.00 An original beverage of prickly pear soda, gin, vodka and a splash of beer.

THE PEARL BY TOBEN, BALA thepearlmuskoka.ca

This cheerful spot is part market, part snack bar. By day, it’s a convenient place to pick up a sandwich to-go or stock up on dips. By night, there’s live music and bites like French onion croquettes to enjoy while sipping local brews and stellar cocktails.

DRINK OF THE SEASON

WHISKY TROPIC While the vast majority of tropical cocktails feature rum, our Whisky Tropic (p. 115) dances to a different beat. Like rum, whisky is a natural with pineapple and lime juices, and a splash of ginger beer delivers an extra kick. (For more timid palates, you could finish it with pineapple soda instead.) Icy and refreshing, it’s a fun drink to toast Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana, July 31 to August 4).

Pelican Club Limoncello Spritz

LCBO 42797, 355 mL, $3.55 A zesty, Italian-style aperitif made from local limoncello and Niagara sparkling wine.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE PEARL MUSKOKA

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———————— SUMMER 2025