With an upcoming statutory holiday on Monday, May 19 for Victoria Day — the first unofficial long weekend of the summer — it’s a good time to get together with friends and family.
And whether it , it may be an opportunity to enjoy a beverage on the patio, dock or campsite.
In early March, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), that in response to U.S. tariffs, the Ontario government had directed the agency to take operational steps to restrict “all U.S. beverage alcohol sales and related imports into Ontario, effective immediately.â€
Spirits, wine, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails and non-alcoholic products produced in the U.S. are not available in LCBO retail stores or LCBO Convenience Outlets, the provincial alcohol retailer said at the time.
There are, however, plenty of Canadian and Ontario-produced options available.
What’s new at the LCBO?
There are several new options to try at the LCBO, including non-alcoholic options.
“LCBO has launched over 200 new products in store and online for spring from coolers, new wines, beer and cider and spirits,†the company told Metroland Media.
Here are a few new selections on the shelves this summer:
°Õ³ó±ðÌýTrailer Park Boys - Ricky’s Lime Vodka Pop is a best seller already at the LCBO, one of the new flavours of the summertime.
Lcbo.com photo- — Described on the site as an exciting new cooler from the Trailer Park Boys, “it is a bold and unpretentious spirit beverage with a sweet, citrusy kick. This refreshing cocktail-to-go is perfect for enjoying on warm summer days. Serve chilled or over ice.”
- — One reviewer said, “This is absolutely fantastic. Light, refreshing cocktail with a great balance of flavours. This will definitely be a go-to from now on! Highly recommend trying it.”
- — The LCBO describes this selection as a “bold and nostalgic taste, with flavours reminiscent of the popular summery popsicle. This vodka-based beverage will evoke past memories with its blue raspberry and cherry lemonade flavours. It is full-flavoured with low sugar, six per cent ABV and made for easy enjoyment. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.”
- — A “vibrant South African Pinot Grigio, sister wine to the popular Protea Rose, is sure to please,” said. “Peach, nectarine, and wildflower aromas leap from the nose, foreshadowing a ripe palate of stone fruit and apple flavours. It is a light and dry wine, perfect for pairing with lighter vegetarian fare.”
- — With this selection, the LCBO described it as a “crisp, dry red wine spritz with a touch of blood orange. It’s fruity and refreshing with (no grams) of sugar. Best served chilled or poured over ice in a wine glass with a garnish of fresh fruit.” It can also be found at some Wine Rack locations.
- — According to the LCBO, this is made “with 100 per cent Ontario apples and the delightful combination of mango and dragonfruit aromas, with just a hint of lemonade on the finish. Enjoy this flavourful and refreshing cider chilled straight from the can or pour in a glass over ice. Perfect on a hot summer day.”
- — Another Canadian choice, the LCBO said Pump House Brewery “is now making award-winning beer. This radler pours hazy pink in colour with aromas and flavours of fresh grapefruit, cereal, tangerine and citrus. It is medium-bodied and moderately carbonated with a refreshingly crisp finish.”
- — Putting some sour into your tastebuds, the LCBO suggests this combination of “spirits and pickles (and all their briny brethren) for making your next spicy Caesar (or) dirty martini. Prince Igor’s Extreme Pickle is a flavoured vodka that brings the briny, peppery and vegetal notes of pickles to their classic vodka profile.”
- — “This offering from Dr. McGillicuddy’s brings vibrant, ripe grape flavours and a creamy smooth mouthfeel to each sip,” the LCBO said on its website. “This liqueur is perfect for crafting flavourful, fruity cocktails or chilling well for a delightful grapey shooter.”
- — With eight per cent alcohol, “this low-alcohol and low-sugar Pinot Grigio is crafted uses 100 per cent Canadian grapes,” the LCBO said on its website. “The nose reveals classic Pinot Grigio character, with fruity and floral notes of peach, apple and wild flowers. The palate is light-bodied, with crisp acidity and enticing citrus and orchard fruit flavours. Pair with fish tacos and guacamole.”
Support Canadian brands
Supporting Canadian brands is easy to do in store and online, as the LCBO has a list of coolers and spirits, wine, beer and ciders made in Canada. Visit and click on the EH list to learn more.
Non-alcoholic beverages
Many people are also checking out alcohol-free options as well, so here are a few selections to sample:
- — It has the same caffeine as a regular Red Bull, but with “the taste of white peach, citrus peel and floral notes,” the Red Bull company said on its website. The beverage is available through some convenience stores.
- — This is Ontario’s first alcohol-free craft cider, according to , adding it uses “100 per cent Ontario apple juice, which is fermented into a dry and satisfying cider. Fresh, crisp and bursting with apple flavour, it is a welcome addition to the growing range of alcohol-free products. Enjoy well-chilled, paired with grilled sausages and summery salads.”
- — The LCBO recommends this selection for its “delicate floral notes and tart cranberry-like flavours,” which make it a “great option that is low in alcohol and light on calories. Serve it alongside a citrus salad with avocado.”
For more details about products at the LCBO, visit .
-With files by Mike Pearson
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