LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

INSIDE SCOOP

WHAT’S NEW In the Mix To help streamline your weekend shopping, the LCBO carries all kinds of extras, making it a one-stop shop for mixing. Check out the com plete collection—from syrups and bitters to mixers and cocktail tools—at LCBO.com/ cocktailing. And remember, if you don’t see what you want at your local store, just order it online! For easy highballs, there are a few premium natural sodas with wide availability. From San Pellegrino, both the Limonata (lemon) and Aranciata (orange) sodas are terrific with white spirits including vodka, gin and blanco tequila. From Maison Perrier’s Chic line, a pair of sparkling mocktails—Piña Colada and Mojito—are tailor-made for white rum. Maison Perrier Chic Mojito LCBO 45531, 4 pk, $9.95 Maison Perrier Chic Piña Colada LCBO 45532, 4 pk, $9.95 San Pellegrino Limonata LCBO 45536, 6 pk, $7.95 San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa LCBO 45535, 6 pk, $7.95

PEPPERS BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/AUTOMATIX

TRENDSPOTTING Peppers Gone Mild

There’s a new pepper in town, and its name is Habanada. Developed at Cornell University by Michael Mazourek—of Honeynut Winter squash fame— it’s like a habanero with the spice turned down to zero, so you get all the fruity, floral flavours without the tongue-searing heat. Available at select farmers’ markets, they’re terrific chopped up into salsas and ceviches, or blister them in a hot pan like shishito peppers. The vibrant orange peppers also make for a colourful garnish.

LOW & NO

Rice Cold Flavoured sake is catching on with a younger audience looking for reduced-alcohol options. Made by diluting, lightly sweetening and infusing sake with everything from citrus to green tea, it’s wonderful served chilled as an aperitif, either neat or on ice.

Tsukasabotan Yama Yuzu Shibori Sake LCBO 26386, 720 mL, $27.95 Pouring a creamy pastel yellow, this sake has a lovely floral scent, lemony flavours and great balance.

Izumi Yuzu-Lime Sake Collins

LCBO 519348, 750 mL, $21.95 This Ontario-made sake gives off key lime pie vibes with zesty lime flavours and vibrant acidity.

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———————— SUMMER 2025