How to finish December in high spirits

With a splash of bourbon, a dash of cinnamon syrup and some fancy bubbles in the mix, Jessica Strand’s cocktails provide a reason to say cheers

The fact that our celebrations may be smaller this year means that the punch bowl can be left in the cupboard and single-serve drinks come into their own. The cocktail cabinet deserves some special attention between now and New Year’s Eve.

With a glass of fizz a given to start most meals, why not push the boat out with a classic French ( socially distanced) Kiss? And creating some simple flavoured syrups can boost alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alike; the rosemary and cinnamon versions on this page can be used to make wonderfully festive G&Ts, as well as the recipes shared here.

Stir up something special.

Recipes from Very Merry Cocktails by Jessica Strand (Chronicle Books, £14.99)

become more functional in ways that act to the detriment of the body.

2 TRIMMED TELOMERES

Our DNA is split into 46 lengths known as chromosomes (we get 23 from each parent). Telomeres are protective caps on our chromosomes, and they are particularly important when cells replicate. Short telomeres are found along with many of the diseases and dysfunctions of ageing – they’ve been linked to diabetes, heart disease, some kinds of cancer, reduced immune function and lung problems. Telomeres are also implicated in the rather more superficial phenomenon of our hair turning grey as we get older. Stem cells in our hair follicles are responsible for producing melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin whose presence in varying quantities can make your hair anything from blonde to black. When the stem cells’ telomeres get too short, that means no more melanocytes can be produced, and the hair reverts to its “natural” colour – pure white.

As well as telomeres that are too short, damage to telomeres can signal to a cell that it’s time for apoptosis