The Easter long weekend is one of the first big family gatherings of the spring, and in 2026 it runs from Good Friday, April 3, through Easter Monday, April 6. It is a weekend of brunches, family dinners, egg hunts and, for many people, the first patio afternoon of the year. It is also a weekend that catches a lot of hosts off guard, because LCBO stores are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and many other retailers run shortened holiday hours.
If you are hosting, the trick is to plan your drinks before the weekend starts. Here is what to stock for brunch, dinner and everything in between, and what to do if you run short.
Plan around the holiday closures
Ontario’s two big Easter closures fall on the two days you are most likely to be hosting. Good Friday is a statutory holiday, and Easter Sunday is traditionally a day when LCBO stores are closed. Saturday tends to be one of the busiest shopping days of the spring as everyone stocks up at once.
A few simple tips:
- Shop by Thursday if you can, or early Saturday before the lines build.
- Check holiday hours for any store you plan to visit; they change from year to year.
- Buy for the whole weekend, not just the main dinner. Long weekends tend to turn into several smaller gatherings.
- If you do run out, alcohol delivery in Toronto is the easiest backup. Instabooze delivers across the GTA throughout the long weekend.
For more on how buying alcohol works in the city, see our guide to legal requirements for buying alcohol online in Toronto.
Easter brunch drinks
Brunch is all about light, bright drinks that don’t take over the morning.
Mimosas
The classic. Fill a flute halfway with cold orange juice and top with prosecco or dry sparkling wine. Bottega Prosecco and Blu Giovello Prosecco are both fruity and fresh enough to work perfectly. One bottle makes about six to eight mimosas.
Bellini
Swap the orange juice for peach purée or peach nectar for a softer, sweeter brunch drink.
Spring spritz
Fill a wine glass with ice, add 3 oz prosecco, 1 oz elderflower liqueur and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
Caesars for the savoury crowd
No Canadian brunch is complete without a Caesar. Our Toronto signature drink recipe shows you how to make a proper one.
Easter dinner wine
Easter dinner is often ham or lamb, and both have clear wine matches.
- Glazed ham: ham is sweet and salty, so it pairs best with fruity, lighter wines. A crisp white like Peller Family Pinot Grigio, an off-dry Riesling or a sparkling rosé such as Luc Belaire Rosé all work well.
- Roast lamb: lamb is richer and more savoury, and it loves red wine with some structure. Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon or Jackson-Triggs Merlot are easy, reliable picks.
- Vegetarian mains: spring vegetables, quiche and pasta primavera suit crisp whites like Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc.
As a general rule, plan on half a bottle of wine per adult for a dinner, plus extra if the meal will run into the evening. Our party alcohol calculator guide explains the math.
Spring cocktails for the afternoon
If the weather cooperates and you can get outside, a couple of easy cocktails make the afternoon feel like the start of patio season.
- Gin and elderflower tonic: 1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, topped with tonic and a cucumber ribbon.
- Vodka lemonade: 1.5 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh lemonade and a few raspberries. Easy to batch for a crowd.
- Carrot-ginger mule: 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh carrot juice, a squeeze of lime, topped with ginger beer. A fun, seasonal twist that looks great on the table.
Looking for more ideas? See our 10 fruity drinks to make at home.
Don’t forget the non-drinkers
Easter gatherings often include kids, grandparents and designated drivers. Have a jug of sparkling lemonade, a non-alcoholic spritz or a festive mocktail ready so everyone has something special in their glass.
Frequently asked questions
Is the LCBO open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday?
LCBO stores are typically closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Hours on Saturday and Easter Monday can vary, so check the LCBO’s holiday hours before you go.
Can I get alcohol delivered on Easter weekend in Toronto?
Yes. Instabooze delivers beer, wine and spirits across Toronto and the GTA over the Easter long weekend. You must be 19 or older and show valid ID at the door.
What wine goes best with Easter ham?
Fruity, lighter wines work best with ham: Pinot Grigio, off-dry Riesling, sparkling rosé or a light red. Avoid very tannic reds, which can taste bitter with salty ham.
With a little planning, the Easter long weekend can be all about family, food and good company rather than last-minute store runs. Stock up early, and if anything runs short, browse our menu and we will bring it to your door.
