The advent calendars are being opened, trees are being decorated and cards are being sent (we hope), so it is only right to start thinking about a little festive cheer.
Today we are looking at some easy to make, even easier to drink, cocktails that will make you feel as if Christmas is on the way.
Mulled Wine
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a glass, or two, of mulled wine. Perfect for parties, lunches or even the village fair, and this fool-proof recipe will have you feeling jolly in no time.
To make 1.5 litres, you will need a large, heavy pan, 20 minutes of time and:
2 large oranges
1 lemon
200g of caster sugar
1 stick of cinnamon
6 cloves
2 bay leaves
3 star anise
1 nutmeg (for grating)
2 x 750ml bottles of decent red wine
50ml of brandy
To make the wine:
Put the sugar and spices (minus the nutmeg) into your pan, then add the bay leaves and the zest of the lemon. Slice the oranges in half and squeeze in the juice into this mix.
Pour enough wine into the pan to cover the ingredients, then over a medium heat, bring to the boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer until the sugar has totally dissolved and you will be left with a thick syrup.
Next add the brandy and the rest of the wine then heat gently for 10 minutes, but don’t boil.
Serve hot, with fresh nutmeg grated, with mince pies and Christmas carols.
Gingerbread Bellini
While we often enjoy gingerbread biscuits and lattes at Christmas, don’t dismiss the deliciousness of the ‘Gingerbread Bellini’.
To make four fantastic cocktails, you will need:
The juice of one lemon
1 bottle of chilled Prosecco or Champagne
1 tablespoon of gingerbread syrup (found in supermarkets or coffee shops)
Gingerbread biscuits to serve
4 chilled Champagne flutes
Mix the lemon juice and ginger syrup together in a small jug. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the flutes, and top up each glass with fizz and serve with the biscuits. Remember, these taste super sweet, but do have a glass of water or two otherwise you will feel merrier than Mrs Christmas in no time.
Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Nothing says Christmas party quite like meeting guests will a smile and a sparkling gin cocktail.
This is well festive treat that tingles on the tongue and to make six servings you will need:
75 ml of gin
150 ml of chilled Prosecco
150 ml of pomegranate juice plus pomegranate seeds to garnish
6 chilled Champagne flutes
Making this is super simple, which means you will have more time to drink and mingle.
Mix the gin and pomegranate juice then pour into the Champagne flutes before carefully topping up the glasses with the remaining fizz. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds and serve to guests immediately.
Remember, drink lots of water, have something to eat and never drink and drive.
Merry Christmas from Team Pure-Beauty