With summer well and truly here, it's time for Ontarians to start making the most of the long days and hot, humid weather. But in a year that's been like no other, feeling inspired may be a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, staycations are a super fun option to enjoy this sunny season.
With LCBO's Summer Hot List you can make this a summer to remember without even leaving the comfort of your own home. Their curated collection of fun, socially distanced activities is here to help make your summer count. Options range from pink-themed picnics, going on a tour of Ontario with just your taste buds, all the way to becoming your own mixologist.
There's something for everyone on this list of simple and fun activities to make this summer memorable. You can get started with these seven summery ideas, just remember to please enjoy responsibly.
Turn A Hot, Humid Day Into A Vacation
Dreaming of a vacation? Most Ontarians are. It's been quite some time since you could pack your bag and hop on an airplane to travel somewhere new. But you can still get the taste of adventure with a little creativity!
Canadian influencer Lauren McPhillips dreamed of going to Italy, and while a trip isn't in her near future, she brought a piece of Italy to her own backyard with a bottle of Martini Sparkling Rosé. She paired it with some of her favourite local, in season products: pane di casa, cheese and olive oil. To top it off, she added in some fresh peonies from her garden for a luxurious touch.
Take A Tour Of Ontario, From Home
Ontario has so much to offer, everything from beautiful lakes and parks to incredible wildlife. Plus, this province boasts some of the best craft-beer breweries around that offer brews with the kind of fresh, fruity flavours that are great for summer sipping.
Take an at-home tour of Ontario by setting up a local beer flight. To start, you could try Waterloo Watermelon Radler (a brew blended with real watermelon juice), Muskoka Detour or Beau's Local Organic.
Give Every Weekend A Cottage Feel
Don't have a lakefront retreat in your near future? No problem! With the right setup, you can completely transform your downtown apartment into a quaint cottage weekend, and feel like you've escaped the city.
First, turn on a galaxy projector to make your ceiling look like the night sky. Then, switch up your décor to add some cottage flair, with fun pillows, blankets and candles. For the pièce de résistance, put on your comfy socks and pour a glass of Baileys Deliciously Light over ice. Voila! You have a cozy fireside evening on your patio or balcony.
Have A Pink-Themed Picnic
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Nothing says summer like the colour pink. It's bright, fun and is reminiscent of a crowd-pleasing rosé. Another activity recommendation from the Summer Hot List is to host an elegant, pink-themed picnic to elevate your outdoor dining experience.
Solmaz K, a Toronto influencer, grabbed her two favourite rosés — Pelee Island Sparkling Blush and Sandbanks Sparkling Rosé — and put together a pink-themed picnic in her backyard. It's not only totally Instagrammable but it's also a great way to stay home while still feeling like you're having a weekend away.
Mix A Fresh New Cocktail
It's super easy to get stuck in a routine with your go-to glass of wine, beer or mixed drink. This summer, it's time to shake up cocktail hour and get creative by mixing up your own signature beverage that's inspired by refreshing, in-season flavours. Start with a cocktail you already love and tinker with each ingredient until you hit on something magical.
Take note from influencer Torri Webster. She created her own signature cocktail (the Torri) by adding Crown Royal Peach to cream soda, ice and garnishing with a cherry on top. You could experiment with gin and watermelon, or vodka and grapefruit. Get inspired and share your cocktail with your friends on a patio or in your backyard — and don't forget to name it!
Embrace The Flavours of Summer
Lemon is one of the most refreshing flavours when it's hot and humid out — there's nothing like cooling off with an ice-cold glass of lemonade. You may even have had a lemonade stand at the end of your driveway as a kid. So, why not try a grown-up version this summer?
While you can definitely make your own at home, Good Sunday Lemon Gin Soda and Lemon Life's Hard Lemonade Seltzer are two great, easy-to-enjoy options. However you decide to try this hot summer drink trend, this retro-inspired sip is a great way to cool off.
Find Food-Friendly BBQ Picks
Grill, chill, repeat! Summer is the official season for barbecues, and it's a great way to entertain safely outside. If you'd like to spice up your backyard barbecue, the LCBO has an amazing selection of beverages from around the world that are the ultimate match for your menu.
Try a taste of Hawaii with Kona Big Wave Golden Ale — it rolls in with aromas of citrus, toasted nuts and grain, crests with flavours of banana, pineapple and finished with bitter citrus notes. It's the perfect pairing for seafood, and it's a unique pick that's sure to impress your friends.
With the creative, fun activities on the LCBO's Summer Hot List, there's really no need to leave your home to enjoy a vacation feel. You can find these summer favourites at LCBO stores or you can order online via the LCBO website for home delivery.
From embracing the flavours of summer to designing your own cocktail or creatively turning your place into a getaway destination, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer right at home.
To learn more about the LCBO's Summer Hot List, visit LCBO's website or check out their Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook pages.
Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol. If you are going to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and only if you're of legal age.