Entertaining with Mocktails and Cocktails
Cranberry & Apple Punch with optional Bubbly
You will need:
- Equal parts apple juice and cranberry juice
- Fresh cranberries
- Diced apple
- Sprigs of mint to garnish
Method:
1. Add both kinds of juice to a punch bowl and stir.
2. Place in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
3. Just before serving, add some fresh cranberries and diced apple pieces.
4. Use a ladle to serve, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
If you want to give your punch added sparkle, add champagne just before serving.
No-jito or Mojito?
You will need:
- 60ml white rum (optional)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- Small handful of mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Soda water to taste
Method:
1. ‘Muddle’ the sugar with the mint leaves using a pestle and mortar or end of a rolling pin and small bowl. To muddle, put the ingredients in the mortar or bowl, and gently press and twist the pestle into the two ingredients until the mint leaves tear and release their minty goodness.
2. Add a handful of crushed ice to your serving glass and add the lime juice and sugar-mint mix.
3. Top up with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Hot apple or cider punch
You will need:
- 2 litres of apple juice or cider
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Orange peel and apple slices to garnish
Method:
1. Put the apple juice or cider in a large pan with the cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg and vanilla extract, and bring to a simmer.
2. Ladle into glasses and garnish with orange peel and a slice of apple, or pour into a slow cooker to keep it warm and serve at your leisure.