Blush Hour

If you love rosé, try mixing it into low-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks for the aperitivo hour. You can switch it in for white wine in any of the classics, including a Spritz, Bicicletta or Kir—it will bring its red berry flavours and pretty hue. It’s also wonderful in Sangria with the first strawberries of the season. To further boost the colour of rosé-based drinks, a splash of Campari, grenadine or pink grapefruit juice will do the trick. Any rosé should be fine to mix with, but we like the dependable, affordable

Gran Feudo Rosado (LCBO 165845, $13.00). The same rules apply to sparkling rosé.

The Cabernet Franc–based De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut (LCBO 211466, $20.05) adds a wonderful blush to a French 75, and it’s terrific in a Champagne Cocktail with Peychaud’s bitters swapped in for Angostura.