THE NEXT ROUND

THE NEXT ROUND The latest additions to our bar cart meet the newest soft stuff.

ESCUDO ROJO RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON This wine’s journey begins at the foot of Chile’s Andes Mountains where grapes are hand-picked in the Maipo Valley. It’s matured in oak and is silky and refi ned on the palate, revealing notes of blackcurrant, cherry and fresh spice. $17.95, lcbo.com

JACKSON-TRIGGS LIGHT PINOT GRIGIO From one of Canada’s most renowned winemakers comes a pinot grigio that’s full of fl avour with less of the alcohol at only eight per cent ABV. Bursting with lime, apple and pear balanced with soft fl oral aromas, it’s a picnic in February. $10.95, lcbo.com

THE FORAGER BOTANICAL WHISKY From Ontario’s own Forty Creek Distillery comes a new take on Canadian whisky. Reminiscent of gin, the Forager is infused with wild-sourced Canadian botanicals like juniper berries, spruce tips, mugwort and sweet fern for a fl avour that’s complex, but lighter than usual. $34.95, lcbo.com

MAISON SELBY NIAGARA VODKA The partnership of Oliver & Bonacini and Dillon’s is the Oprah and Gayle of spirits collaborations. Their creation is made from Niagara grapes with the addition of peach and pear. This vodka is a celebration of local, quality ingredients with elevated fruity notes. $55, store.dillons.ca

DAYDREAM SPARKLING WATER Each Daydream fl avour – blackberry chai, peach ginger, and cucumber lime – comes in a bright, pastel can and serves as a bubbly afternoon pick-me-up. They’re full of hemp extracts and adaptogens said to help with clarity, stress reduction, focus and memory. $33.99 for a 6-pack sampler, drinkdaydream.com

STATION CASCARA SPARKLING ICED TEA We know Station for their cold brew coff ee but now they’ve hit us with three variations of a sparkling cascara (a.k.a. coff ee cherry) iced tea. Previously discarded by farmers, cascara (the skin of the coff ee bean) is loaded with antioxidants and contains a sweet, fl oral fl avour. $48 for 12, stationcoldbrew.com

GRAN PATRÓN SMOKY Investment pieces shouldn’t just be consigned to the wardrobe. Gran Patrón Smoky begins with the highest-quality Weber blue agave, roasting the piñas in small, underground stone pits for a week. The result is a super-smooth spirit – with peppery, citrus notes – that lends itself well to cocktails. $277.15, lcbo.com

PARTAKE BREWING His Crohn’s diagnosis meant that Ted Fleming had to give up alcohol, so he founded Partake Brewing to hold onto his beloved beer. They’ve created a comprehensive lineup of non-alcoholic craft brews that non-drinkers, designated drivers and the rest of us can enjoy. Partake brews an IPA, a pale, a stout, a red ale and a blonde. $2, lcbo.com

CREAM OF THE CROP

Embrace the great indoors this winter, with a decadent Amarula Cream Liqueur and chocolate fondue recipe worth hibernating for.

THIS TIME OF year might have you googling fl ights out of Toronto – but there’s a more cost-effective way to transport yourself to warmer climes. Sidestep the packing woes and credit card bills by infusing your winter evenings with the warmth of South Africa in a bottle.

Amarula Cream Liqueur is made with cream and the fruit from the wild Marula tree (or known locally as the Elephant tree), handpicked by local communities. The African fruit is naturally fermented and distilled in copper pot stills, before maturing the spirit in oak barrels. The result is a coffee-coloured liqueur with wood-spice notes of vanilla and caramel that’s rich and velvety in taste and super versatile. The well-rounded, creamy tipple is perfect in just about every conceivable way – enjoy it on weeknights simply on the rocks or get creative when hosting by mixing Amarula up in a white Russian. One thing is for sure though – whether you’re sipping it over ice, in coffee, a cocktail or in our fondue recipe, Amarula Cream Liqueur just gave you plenty of excuses not to leave the house. ● To learn more head to amarula.com

RECIPE Ingredients ◆ 2 cups chocolate chips (dark, white, milk, semi sweet) ◆ 1 tsp vanilla extract ◆ ½ cup whipping cream ◆ ½ cup of Amarula ◆ Dippable treats: pretzels, apples, strawberries, cookies etc. RECIPE

Method Pour the whipping cream and Amarula Cream Liqueur into a fondue pot. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture boils. Continue to stir while adding the chocolate chips. Reduce heat to low, and stir until the chocolate melts and blends completely with the cream mixture. Stir in the vanilla. Take care not to overheat the mixture. To serve, reduce heat to lowest setting and enjoy with your favourite fruits, cookies or treats.

WIN A FONDUE KIT We’re giving you everything you need to host your own Amarula fondue evening. The package includes a fondue pot, an Amarula ice cube tray, Amarula glassware, plus cocktail recipe cards so you can rustle up some unique cocktails long after fondue night is over. WIN

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