12 Fun And Easy Ways To Spice Up Your Summer

The sun is finally out, and the LCBO has a few tips on how to make your summer count.

1. Head to the market for a basket of locally-grown peaches.

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Take advantage of Ontario's peach season and make a summery dessert, like this simple instant peach brûlée. Just make sure to save a few slices to use as a garnish for a refreshing cocktail! Try making a whisky sour with Crown Royal Peach to really embrace the flavours of summer.

2. Host a pink-themed picnic with your closest pals.

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Pack your picnic baskets with summery snacks like strawberries and watermelon, and bask in the beautiful weather wearing your favourite pink outfits. Tie it all together with some light and fruity sangria made with an Ontario rosé, like D'Ont Poke the Bear VQA or Girls' Night Out VQA. 

3. Check out your local trails and go for a hike.

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One of the best things about Ontario are all of the accessible trails that allow us to enjoy nature. So lace up your hiking shoes and head outside for a scenic stroll through the wilderness.

4. Enjoy an ice cream cone while you watch the sunset.

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Make the most of your summer evenings and indulge in a sweet treat with a view. Make it even sweeter by topping it with a splash of Canadian-made Cabot Trail Maple Cream. 

5. Turn off your notifications and spend the afternoon reading a book.

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Put your screens away and spend some time relaxing with a new novel. Invite those cottage vibes in with an easy beverage that won't require any prep or mixing, like a Georgian Bay Gin Cranberry Smash.

6. Brighten up your bar cart with summer flowers and Canadian-made spirits.

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Head to a nearby flower shop and decorate your bar (and your drinks!) with edible flowers. Stock up on Canadian spirits, like Forty Creek Barrel Select or Canadian Club, so you can get creative with a whisky-based cocktail. 

7. Go camping in your own backyard.

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Who says you have to travel to have an outdoor adventure? Grab your sleeping bag and pitch a tent in the comfort of your own backyard. Once you’ve had your share of s’mores, sit back and relax with a refreshing Molson Canadian Lager.

8. Fire up the grill and make your favourite summertime dish.

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Visit the local farmers market and pick up ingredients for a BBQ with a couple of close friends. Just make sure to get a few stalks of celery, so you can serve up a Walter's Craft Caesar in style. 

9. Paddle through a nearby lake or river and enjoy a refreshing afternoon on the water.

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Go to a scenic waterway in your area and spend the day exploring by canoe or kayak. If you don't have your own, you can always rent one from your local outfitter. Don't forget your life jacket!

10. Make your own popsicles with fresh fruit juices or herbal teas.

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Find some popsicle moulds at your usual department store and make your own icy treats this summer. Reinvent the taste of a sunny island getaway with spicy pineapple ice pops and an ice-cold glass of Bella Sparkling Rosé VQA. Yum!

11. Get creative with refreshing cocktails.

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Shake up a summer cocktail with a little help from the LCBO. You can find tons of amazing recipes on the LCBO website, like a lemon basil mojito or a frozen spritz. 

12. And don't forget to stock up on ice!

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Make sure to keep your ice trays full this summer — you're going to need them! Consider spicing them up by adding fruit, edible flowers, or summery herbs before freezing. If you're running low, you can always pick up an extra bag at your local LCBO.

Whether you're looking for Canadian-made beverages, fun and fresh recipes, or inspiration on how to make your Ontario summer count, the LCBO has you covered.

Shop these featured Canadian products (and more!) at LCBO.com.

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Images from Getty unless otherwise noted.