WHEN A CUP OF TEA JUST ISN’T ENOUGH...

FANCY something stronger than a cuppa with your afternoon simnel cake or hot cross bun? here are some of my favourite suggestions . . .

Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora 37.5cl £8.50, tesco

THIS refreshing Muscat is a great all-rounder. Its subtle orange blossom nose and boiled sweet palate goes well with the dried fruit in traditional Easter simnel cake and hot cross buns, as well as other types of cake.

Rigal Vin Orange £8, Morrisons

A MORE left-field pairing is orange wine. This textured, creamy tipple is aromatic and savoury at the same time, with a smoky, citrus peel twist. A great, dry wine pairing and great value.

Henriques & Henriques 3 Year Old Full Rich Madeira 50cl

£11.99 (mix six), Majestic WITH its salted caramel and toffee apple nose and candied orange peel flavours, a tangy tot of this seriously underrated (and under-priced) Madeira is a delightfully naughty alternative to a cup of tea with your hot cross bun.

Lacheteau Crémant de Loire Demi Sec £16, Ocado

IF YOU want fizz, beware of dry styles as these will make sugary treats (such as the marzipan and icing topping on simnel cake) taste metallic. Instead, opt for a demi-sec version like this Loire Crémant with its touch of sweetness. Made with Chenin, it also has a lovely fresh acidity to cleanse the palate.

Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 2016/17, Hungary 50cl £26.99 (mix six), Majestic

A SPLASH-out choice is this gorgeous Hungarian Tokaji. With its complex, marmalade and marzipan notes and zippy acidity, this ‘king of wines’ will make your teatime a truly memorable occasion.