Perfect pairings for classic Canada Day eats

Just in time for Canada Day next week, wine & spirits consultant Renée Sferrazza paired classic Canadian dishes with summertime sips.

Clarified Strawberry Daiquiri with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Yields approx. 4–5 servings once clarified

Ingredients
 9 oz (270 mL) Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum
 6 oz (180 mL) simple syrup
 4.5 oz (135 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
 24–30 ripe strawberries, hulled and chopped
 6 oz (180 mL) whole milk (3.25% or higher fat)

Instructions
1. Infuse the Strawberry Base
Muddle strawberries, then combine with lime juice, syrup, and rum.
Let sit 15–30 min. Strain through mesh or cheesecloth.
2. Milk Clarification
In a clean bowl, add milk first. Slowly pour in the strawberry mix.
Chill in the fridge 30+ min to allow curdling.
3. Strain to Clarify
Gently filter through coffee filter or cheesecloth. Repeat for clarity.
4. Chill and Serve
Bottle and refrigerate. Serve over clear ice or in a chilled coupe.

Cucumber Lemonade Gin Punch (Pitcher Format)
Yields: ~16 servings

Ingredients
 4 lemons, halved
 ½ cup sugar
 1 quart (4 cups) cold water
 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
 24 oz gin (London Dry or cucumber-forward preferred)
 Ice, for serving

Instructions
1. Juice lemons into large bowl; add squeezed rinds.
2. Add sugar and muddle with rinds for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add water and stir to dissolve sugar.
4. Strain into a punch pitcher.
5. Add cucumber slices and chill 1+ hour.
6. Stir in gin before serving.
7. Serve over ice, garnish with cucumber or mint.