Even after the pandemic changed pretty much everything, some things remain the same. Summer's still hot. BBQs are still awesome. And you and your friends need new, exciting ways to socialize. While COVID-19 makes some activities hard (or impossible) to access, it also gives us an unprecedented opportunity to rethink classic fun-time traditions. Take, for instance, the backyard BBQ: Social-Distancing Edition. It's a chance to grab some drinks, chill with a few friends, and embrace Ontario's summer season. The LCBO is right there with you and they've announced tons of new craft beers and ciders (all local, of course). To add a unique flair to your next BBQ, whether it be a birthday, Taco Tuesday, or just a fun gathering, mix and match some of these amongst your crew and see what everyone prefers with their food. You've got all summer to tackle this list and try different grilling and beverage combos, so pace yourselves! 1. Soak up some sun and sip on Eden Grove Hibiscus Blossom Cider Mellow yet floral, Hibiscus Blossom Cider gets you in the mood to take in some summer rays. Perfect for relaxing with your crew, this fizzy drink's smooth flavours make it a wonderful aperitif. View this post on Instagram April showers bring May 🌺 🌸💐 Our Hibiscus Blossom is now at 125+ stores at the LCBO & online @brewereats A post shared by Eden Grove Cider (@edengrovecider) on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:42am PDT 2. Crack open a Lo Viste Mojito Sour and dive into some meaningful convos Just because we're social distancing, doesn't mean we can't still connect. Bring your pals together over a Lo Viste Mojito Sour by Left Field Brewery. Its tangy twist on the classic mojito will help you reminisce and celebrate the future. View this post on Instagram SEE THAT!? Lo Viste Mojito Sour is back! This satisfying sipper inspired by the tasty Cuban cocktail is named for the on-base celebration popularized by many Latin American players. A tart, quenching ale packed with lime juice, lime zest with a crisp hint of spearmint - celebrate victory at home with this fan favourite, available NOW for free Toronto home delivery on all orders over $50! #loviste #mojitosour #homedelivery #leftfieldbrewery A post shared by Left Field Brewery (@leftfieldbrewery) on Apr 17, 2020 at 6:00am PDT 3. Fire up the grill while enjoying a Bellwoods Brewery Roman Candle The Roman Candle is actually the first-ever IPA made by this Toronto brewery. A true taste of summer, it hints at melon and pineapple and balances its medium-body with a fresh finish. As you get the grill goin', this drink will leave you delighted. View this post on Instagram Roman Candle, a classic Bellwoods IPA, freshly canned, and available in all 3 shops immediately! . . . Hafis/Ossington/Online go! A post shared by Bellwoods Brewery (@bellwoodsbeer) on Aug 21, 2019 at 9:54am PDT 4. Munch on a summer salad with a Shubie Sour Raspberry IPA in hand Crafted by Wellington Brewery, the Shubie Sour Raspberry IPA is everything you love about zesty and fruity flavours. Crunch on your leafy greens and stay refreshed with this delicious beverage. Want an extra kick of flavour? Try using a raspberry salad dressing for an awesome brew and grub combo. Make sure you keep a can on hand for eating ribs later on. View this post on Instagram Jump on board with this Sour Raspberry IPA! Available at LCBO stores and shipping anywhere in Ontario from our online store 🍻 . Check our last post for a conversation and sampling with brewmaster Marvin Dyck and @wellykaryn discussing what went into making this tasty summer seasonal beer! A post shared by Wellington Brewery (@wellingtonbrewery) on Jun 11, 2020 at 3:59pm PDT 5. Embrace your vegan virtues as you crack open a Hazy Pale Ale Created by the Lake of Bays Brewing Company, the Hazy Pale Ale pairs perfectly with all kinds of BBQ. Chances are some of your gang are vegan — so give them a meal and drink pairing they'll remember. With hints of coconut and mango balanced by grapefruit and tangerine, this fizzy treat goes great with grilled veggies. For an extra edge, serve it alongside grilled pineapple for an invigorating piña colada-style taste. View this post on Instagram We are celebrating Ontario Craft Beer Week with one of our favourites, Off The Grid🍻 Thank you for supporting your local Ontario craft breweries, especially during these last few months - we appreciate it tremendously! #TogetherForCraft @ontcraftbrewers A post shared by Lake of Bays Brewing Company (@lb_brewing) on Jun 19, 2020 at 8:02am PDT 6. Chew the fat with friends while you savour Beau's Juiced Up Pale Ale Looking to grill up some steaks or brats? Whatever meat you want to sizzle will pair splendidly with Beau's Juiced Up Pale Ale. The classic beer flavours balance out the strong textures in meats. Let the fizzy refreshment whet your appetite as the meal gets going. View this post on Instagram Juiced Up is weekend ready! This NEPA pours hazy gold, with a thick white foam. The aroma offers citrus juice impressions. The flavour is equally fruity: a mix of citrus, tropical and stone fruit impressions, with a pleasing hint of dank resin. The mouthfeel is soft, and the finish is bright and refreshing. Order now from the Beau's online store and get free delivery when you spend $50 or more. A post shared by Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. (@beausallnatural) on May 29, 2020 at 10:40am PDT 7. Refresh between courses with Bench Brewing Green Fields Sour Filled up on some great BBQ eats? Want to keep going? Try the bold yet refreshing tangy fruit tastes of the Green Fields Sour. The tart fruits balance with bitterness from the hops to completely cleanse your palate. Now you're ready to go in for some more grilled goodness. View this post on Instagram Have you tried our Green Fields Sour Ale yet? It’s our latest can innovation! With aromas of tropical fruits, it’s a perfect beer for the spring weather. It’s available at select LCBOs and on our website for delivery or curbside pickup! Make sure Green Fields is a part of your weekend plans 🌱 A post shared by Bench Brewing Company (@benchbrewing) on Apr 3, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT 8. Gear up for dessert with Muskoka Tread Lightly Lager After a day in the hot sun and tons of good grub, your crew is probably settling down. Try Muskoka Tread Lightly Lager as a way to cool off and enjoy the sunset. With powerful malt flavours and a citrusy yet hoppy finish, it's a great way to ready yourself for what comes next: dessert. You can drink this lager with fresh fruit or heavier starches. So kick back, sip away, and explore how this lager can bring out the real essence of your treats. View this post on Instagram Light naps and light lagers, brought to you by #Muskoka. #MuskokaBrewery #VentureOffTheBeatenPath #OntarioBeer #OntCraftBeer #TreadLightly A post shared by Muskoka Brewery (@muskokabrewery) on Jun 18, 2020 at 5:54pm PDT 9. Say thanks to your host with Steam Whistle Session Lager The pandemic means social distancing, not forgetting our BBQ etiquette. Don't forget to thank your host for throwing a fun backyard BBQ. Offer them some Steam Whistle Session Lager. Light yet full-flavoured, this brew throws in spicy tones with a slight edge towards fruit. It goes well with everything, especially friends, so it's an excellent way to say thanks. View this post on Instagram Light on calories, not on taste. Have you tried Session Lager yet? #OneGreatBeerLeadsToAnother A post shared by Steam Whistle (@steamwhistlebrewing) on Apr 11, 2020 at 10:02am PDT 10. Relax and unwind from an awesome day with Amsterdam Fria Cervesa As you know, all good things come to an end. But that doesn't mean you can't ring it in with a smile on your face and a drink in hand. Try the Amsterdam Fria Cervesa, made right here in Ontario. Hints of zesty lime let this bubbly beverage dance on your tongue. Cheers with your buddies to a night well spent as you watch the stars begin to shine. View this post on Instagram Stock up on Adventure Brews from our Amsterdam Retail locations in Leaside and Queens Quay. We've currently got favourites such as Fria Cerveza Especial, Eye Candy Raspberry Saison, Harvest Saison, Default Sticke Alt and Hazy Town Juicebomb IPA in stock! A post shared by Amsterdam Brewery🍺🇨🇦 (@amsterdambeer) on Jan 4, 2020 at 12:29pm PST 11. Celebrate change with Somersby Spritz Cider As you wrap up the evening and your guests depart, you're probably noticing how different things are nowadays. Different, but good in their own way. Celebrate that change with the crisp flavours of Somersby Spritz Cider. It's reminiscent of old flavours yet crisp and modern. This cider pairs best with a smile and some wonderful memories. Savour its unique flavours and be thankful for great friends and the freedom to throw a BBQ: Social-Distancing Edition. View this post on Instagram New favourite Somersby #somersby #spritz #somersbyspritz A post shared by Karolina Giesl (@karolina.kinga1992) on Jun 22, 2020 at 6:13pm PDT So, now you've got a whole bunch of inspiration for your summer BBQ. Whether you're the host or guest, these locally brewed beers and ciders help make your event one to remember. With the sun beaming down at everyone, don't forget to stay hydrated either! If you're tired of gulping down water to quench your thirst, the LCBO actually offers great non-alcoholic options that you can check out right here. Check out the drink selection at your local LCBO (the go-to spot for tasty drinks and Ontario-brewery pride). Looking for an easy way to shop? Discover their convenient shopping options like same-day pickup (at select locations). Life is about experiences, so embrace the season, grab some refreshing beverages, and BBQ to your heart's content. Celebrate summer — you deserve it! To discover more tasty drinks, check out the LCBO website or download the app to prepare for your next summer get-together. Please drink responsibly.
