Sip & Savour Pairings
Posted on: December 27, 2023
When you visit your loved ones for the Holidays what do you bring? I know some that would only show up with their appetite! However, for those that want to bring more than just their empty stomach, the LCBO has some festive sip and savor pairings that will have everyone at the party so glad you came with more than just your good looks.
Headed to your in-laws? Show up with a medium-bodied red wine, like Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico, tubular pasta, a hunk of Grana Padano cheese, a basil plant, a demi-baguette, and a homemade vodka sauce courtesy of this LCBO recipe and they will be so impressed! This wine is from Barone Ricasoli, the oldest winery in Italy. Order it online and have it shipped to your local LCBO for pick up.
For the gathering of friends who love spice and seafood, ring their front door bell holding scrubbed Canadian oysters (packed upright on ice) along with an oyster shucking knife, a spicy lemon, shallot and vinegar infusion and a bottle of zesty Sauvignon Blanc, like New Zealand’s Stoneleigh Latitude. A vibrant wine, with mouth-watering acidity, tones of citrus, guava, herbs and mineral which will perfectly compliment the spicy oysters.
For the uncle that just loves martinis? Give the gift of a gin and vermouth with a Martini Olives kit. Add olives and lemon peel to an airtight jar. Combine Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, a unique gin made with gunpowder tea (a type of robust green tea) with a dry, white French vermouth with floral and herbal notes like Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry Dry AOC provides the ideal accent, lending light and fresh notes plus a clean, dry finish.
How about if you are having a gathering to celebrate any good news this Holidays, say an engagement—or an elopement! Try this duo of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne and Elderflower Pearls. This French champagne has a nose filled with aromas of apple, pear, toast and brioche and the palate is extra-dry and medium to full body with flavours that match the aromas. Elderflower pearls are floral pearls that are a combination of agar agar powder and elderflower liqueur, great for topping holiday desserts or ice cream. Cheers!
A holiday classic of hot buttered rum is always a good option for any party. LCBO has a unique version of browned butter (butter that is melted and darkened to bring out its natural nuttiness) meeting with Japanese miso (Japanese fermented soybean paste) for a modern flavour match with rum, called Spiced Miso Brown Butter. A great addition is Mount Gay Black Barrel Double Cask Blend rum from Barbados. It has notes of vanilla and toasted oak plus tropical and citrus fruit to meet the richness and caramel notes of the buttered rum. Mmmm . . .
No matter where you go for the Holidays set the tone when you enter the room with a gift full of love. For more party gift giving ideas explore the LCBO’s Homemade Food Gifts for the Holidays. Also, tell us what Holidays gifts you have been giving this season, by tagging @cloverdalemall on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
~ Gillaine, Marketing Coordinator