LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2025

EDITOR’S NOTES

’Tis Your Season

festive flair (page 51) to a master class on creating the perfect Martini (page 107) there are no shortage of options to wow your guests. When only bubbly will do, check out “On the Bubble” on page 141 for a whole host of suggestions in differ ent styles, sizes and price points. For most, gifts are inevitable at this time of year, and we have some ideas for you there, too. We’ve curated our annual gift guide (page 84) by personal style, recom mending clever ideas for gift bottles alongside a few favourite things that will add an even more personal touch. Stumped by which scotch to choose for a special gift? Add a batch of homemade shortbread to ensure it is well-received—check out our guide starting on page 43 to help you choose. And don’t forget to thank your host! Consider the wide assortment of small-format bottles available at the LCBO and bundle them with a thoughtful treat to be enjoyed the next day, starting on page 63. Whether you’re going full festive mode or just looking for a taste to get you in the spirit—like a Gingerbread ‘Pop Tart’ with Eggnog Frosting (page 69) or an After Eight Chocolate Tart (page 35)— on behalf of myself and the team, we wish you very happy holidays!

The holidays mean something different for everyone. For some it’s gatherings filled with friends and family, for others it’s a chance for much-needed down-time and relaxation, or perhaps an oppor tunity to plan a getaway. If you are lucky enough, maybe it’s a mix of all those things. No matter what this time of year means to you and yours, we hope you find something to suit your approach and all the season’s occasions in this issue of Food & Drink . If entertaining is in your plans, kick off any party with your choice of appetizer from “Small Talk” on page 76. You’ll find a range of fla vours and difficulty levels to suit your taste and skills—and homemade is a special touch that’s always guaranteed to please. Looking for the perfect menu when gathering friends for a more casual get together? Consider mini tuna melts and a banana Biscoff pudding as star components of a meal that is easy to divide up among the group, so everyone can relax and enjoy the evening (page 98). Or are you host ing something a bit more formal? “Main Events” on page 92 offers up four delicious main courses—each paired with the perfect wine—for moments when something special is required. Speaking of wine, we know you’ll want to raise a toast at your event, and we’ve got you covered! From cocktails inspired by the dried fruit flavours in fruitcake (page 119) and still trending spritzes infused with

Coming Soon Watch for the next issue of Food & Drink . Our Travel-themed issue will be in stores and online Wednesday, March 4.

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

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———————— HOLIDAY 2025