LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2026

EDITOR’S NOTES

Savour Summer

simple spread into the centrepiece of a patio cocktail party. And for those nights when the heat calls for something cool, “Cold Play” on page 85 offers three main courses designed to be made ahead and served at room temperature for effortless entertaining. In this issue we also celebrate summer’s sweet simplicity. Eshun Mott explores the magic of a pinch of salt (page 66), revealing how it can transform seasonal fruits and vegetables. On page 25, summer treasure—fresh corn— with recipes that show just how versatile those golden kernels can be. And in “Pop Culture,” on page 79, Charlene Rooke brings a playful twist to wine appreciation by turning favourite varietals into ice pop cocktails, proving that sophistication and fun can absolutely coexist. Summer doesn’t need to be reinvented; it just needs to be enjoyed. Here’s to good food, good drinks, and the timeless pleasures that make it all unforgettable. Michelle Lucas Larving pays tribute to Ontario’s ultimate

Summer has a way of reminding us what pleasure tastes like. The first cold drink on a hot afternoon. The snap of fresh corn. The unmistakable scent of something sizzling on the grill. This issue is our ode to those classics, the flavours, rituals and simple joys that define the season, year after year. We begin with the essentials. In “The Ultimate Guide to Summer Drinks” on page 52, Victoria Walsh rounds up the cocktails, trends and products that are shaping the way we sip right now. Whether you’re a classics loyalist or yearning to try something new, her guide is your passport to the season’s brightest pours. From there, we dive into the heart of summer eating. Two warm‑weather icons—burgers and beer—are reimagined on page 72 with fresh ideas that prove crowd! Think of it as your invitation to upgrade the backyard classics without losing their charm. Of course, summer is meant to be shared, and al fresco entertaining is where it’s at. Host an outdoor movie night that feels both nostalgic and elevated, complete with snacks and cocktails inspired by theatre faves (page 58). If you’re thinking just drinks and nibbles, our collection of inventive dips starting on page 39 turns a even the most beloved staples can surprise you—and feed a

COMING SOON

Watch for the next issue of Food & Drink . Our Autumn issue will be in stores and online Wednesday, September 9.

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

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———————— SUMMER 2026