LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2026

BASICS

4 Drinks, 4 Ways Smart summer entertaining starts with drinks that do double, triple and quadruple duty.

BY JESSICA HURAS ————— PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAYA VISNYEI

Gin Gin holds its own as a straight pour over ice, mixes into G&Ts for effortless refreshment, adapts to creative cocktails when you’re in the mood to experiment, and scales up beautifully for larger gatherings. Juniper-forward dry gins provide a botanical backbone that balances nicely with citrus brightness, herbal garnishes and sparkling mixers. captures the area’s rugged spirit with pronounced juniper notes and a peppery kick. Fresh lemon, coriander and a strongly aromatic character set it apart from typical London Dry gins. Sonbi Gin Seoul Edition LCBO 48253, 375 mL, $36.00 Korean botanicals meet Open Coast Gin LCBO 30721, $34.95 This Newfoundland gin

Buy this glass online at LCBO.com.

G&T Fill a highball glass with ice, then add

THE STRAIGHT POUR

EASY NEGRONI Stir 1 oz each gin, Campari and sweet vermouth with ice until chilled. Strain into a glass. This bittersweet Italian staple gets finished with a squeeze and wedge of fresh orange.

BIG-BATCH FRENCH 75 Skip the shaker: this

Pour gin over ice in a balloon glass and garnish with citrus or herbs. The wide bowl helps the botanical aromatics open up as you sip. Serve with olives or roasted nuts.

11/2 oz gin and 4 to 5 oz tonic. Stir gently, then

party-sized French 75 is built in a pitcher. Stir gin with lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cold water, then chill. Top with sparkling wine for a patio-friendly pour.

garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slice to finish this classic.

traditional gin in a corn-based spirit. Juniper is layered with sansho peppercorn heat, while cardamom and ginger add depth. FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTOPHER ST. ONGE; PROP STYLING BY ANDREA McCRINDLE

Find the Big-Batch French 75 at LCBO.com/fdsummer26

91

SUMMER 2026