FIRESIDE SANGRIA
HOW TO CREATE GREAT FESTIVE COCKTAILS AND WINTER WARMERS
PUBS and bars might have closed their doors over Christmas, but a do-it-yourself cocktail is the perfect antidote for revellers wanting to lift their festive spirits at home.
‘Is it any wonder that ‘locktails’ became something of a phenomenon during 2020?’ says Julia Charles, who has compiled a book, far right, of cool cocktails and warming winter drinks to help banish the pandemic blues.
‘Taking care to craft and serve a delicious drink at home can be very comforting in this time of uncertainty. Most people have bottles of spirits, liqueurs and cordials at the back of their cupboards that can be dusted off and combined with some simple home-made syrups, fresh juices and garnishes to create pretty spectacular drinks. They can bring a much-needed moment of joy whether you are with family, friends or spending the festive season alone.’
Who said rosé wine was just for summer? Here is a delicious sparkling wine punch to cosy up with on colder days. It makes a lighter and refreshing alternative to mulled wine.
INGREDIENTS
10 seedless white grapes, halved lengthways
10 seedless red grapes, halved lengthways
1 small orange, finely sliced 90ml Grand Marnier or other orange-flavoured liqueur
90ml aged sweet red vermouth (such as Carpano Antica Formula)
170ml fresh clementine or blood orange juice
375ml well-chilled fresh, fruity sauvignon blanc (preferably from New Zealand)
75cl bottle well-chilled sparkling rosé (a pink prosecco or cava works well here)
Dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, to garnish
Ice cubes
SERVES SIX TO EIGHT
METHOD 1.
Put the grapes and orange slices in a punch bowl (or large jug, as preferred.
2. Pour in the Grand Marnier, vermouth, clementine or blood orange juice, white wine and rosé wine and stir to combine. Add plenty of ice cubes and stir again.
3. Serve ladled into tumblers or shortstemmed wine glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish each one with a dried orange slice and a cinnamon stick. Serve at once.