LET’S CELEBRATE!

Four fruity cocktails to liven up any occasion. And, so no-one is left out, there are non-alcoholic versions too

WHITE SANGRIA SPRITZER Makes 1.5 litres

Stir 4 strips of orange rind, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 8 cloves, 60ml (¼ cup) caster sugar and 250ml (1 cup) water in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly syrupy. Transfer to a metal or ceramic jug, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or until cold.

Just before serving, strain the mixture into a large serving jug. Add 80ml (1/3 cup) brandy, 2 sliced white nectarines, 500ml (2 cups) chilled sparkling water and a 750ml bottle of chilled sparkling white wine (or moscato for a sweeter version). Top with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves.

Non-alcoholic version: Leave out the brandy and replace the sparkling wine with sparkling white grape juice.

ELDERFLOWER MIMOSA Makes 1.75 litres

Slowly pour two x 750ml bottles of well chilled sparkling dry white wine into a large serving jug. Add 250ml (1 cup) elderflower cordial and 10ml (2 tsp) angostura bitters. Stir to combine. Serve with twists of orange rind and lots of crushed ice.

Tip: If you can’t find an elderflower cordial, use a lemon or orange cordial.

Non-alcoholic version: Replace the wine with sparkling alcohol-free wine.

CRANBERRY AND GINGER PUNCH Makes 1.5 litres

Combine 750ml chilled ginger beer, 250ml (1 cup) vodka and 500ml (2 cups) cranberry juice in a large serving jug.

Squeeze the juice of 3 limes into the mixture. Stir well and top with plenty of ice, fresh raspberries, sprigs of mint and thinly sliced pear.

Non-alcoholic option: Replace the vodka with extra cranberry juice.

CIDER AND APPLE PUNCH Makes 2.25 Litres

Stir 80ml (1/3 cup) of vodka , 180ml (¾ cup) caster sugar, 500ml (2 cups) water, 1 cinnamon stick and 3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar before bringing to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate until cold. Pour chilled syrup and 1 cup vodka into a large jug. Add 1 thinly sliced green apple, two x 750ml bottles chilled sparkling apple cider, 750ml (3 cups) crushed ice and extra lemon thyme sprigs.

Stir to combine.

Non-alcoholic option: Omit the vodka and replace with sparkling apple or white grape juice.

TIP: You can make all the cocktail bases a few hours ahead. Add chilled sparkling liquids and ice just before serving. Cheers!