
When it was suggested that I research some seasonal drinks for this edition, I thought, yes! Of course me.
I am nothing if not a woman of science and therefore always ready to undertake thorough research. Enough said, let’s get down to business.
Pomegranate & Peach Sparkler
(Non-alcoholic)
Ingredients:
• 237ml peach juice
• 118ml pomegranate juice
• Ginger ale
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Peach slice, pomegranate seeds and rosemary to garnish
Method:
Mix all the juices together. Stir in the honey. Pour into glasses over ice and finish with a peach slice, pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary.
How it tastes:
A non-alcoholic mocktail that is fresh and fizzy, with a syrupy undertone of peach and honey. The ginger ale adds a hint of Christmas warmth that makes this super drinkable. With the added bonus that you can have as many of these as you like without fear of being kicked off Santa’s nice list or texting your ex. Perfect for a starter on Christmas morning or for those designated drivers.
Charlie says: * * * * *


Christmas Cinnamon & Cherry Sangria
Ingredients:
• Bottle of red wine
• 237ml apple juice
• 118ml cherry liqueur
• 1 apple, diced
• Handful of fresh cherries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Soda to finish
Method:
Combine the red wine, apple juice and cherry liqueur in a pitcher and mix well. Toss in the diced apple, cherries and cinnamon sticks then refrigerate for 2 hours. Before serving, top up with soda for crisp, fresh finish!
How it tastes:
I was expecting a big hit of Christmas, but this initially tasted pretty much like red wine. So, make sure you stir it up like a Real Housewife whose hairstyle has just been insulted before leaving it to chill. Once the fruit and cinnamon starts to reach you, this one turns into a creeper. Before you know it, you’ll be merrily swaying around the living room, muttering the lyrics to Fairytale of New York and confessing your undying love to the dog, so I suggest you share the wealth on this one. Happy, hearty and perfect for parties.
Charlie says: * * * *
Mistletoe Margarita
Ingredients:
• 590ml orange juice
• 590ml cranberry juice
• 237ml 7UP
• 237ml tequila
• 118ml cherry juice
• 50ml lemon juice
• Salt, cranberries and a mint sprig to garnish
Method:
Mix all the liquids together in a jug. Prep your margarita glasses by running a lemon wedge around the rim, then sprinkle with salt. Pour in your margarita then add a sprig of mint and some cranberries to garnish.
How it tastes:
The minute this touched my lips, the image of Ralph Wiggum sitting on a bus, giggling ‘I’m in danger’, came to mind. Of course, the real trouble began once it stopped tasting strongly of alcohol and I started enjoying the fruity heat in the back of my throat. After 2 of these my arms felt like they were floating independently of my body. I could almost taste the kebab I would inevitably be inhaling at 2am. Great if you need a liven before a night of pre-Christmas karaoke but a word of warning if you’re serving this on the big day. Cut.Down.On.The.Tequila. Or prepare to forget Christmas night entirely. Dangerously delicious.
Charlie says: * * * *


Chocolate Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
Just buy it…
Method:
This is a premade for those of us who host with maximum enthusiasm but minimal exertion. Purchase, chill, shake, pour, decorate with 2 coffee beans. Et voila.
How it tastes:
What can I say? Call me Augustus Gloop and throw me in a river of this stuff. Oompa loompa doompa-dee-don’t send anyone in to save me. Creamy, chocolatey with a firm hit of coffee, this one was possibly made for me. Swap out those After Eights and sup this for a post-dinner endorphin boost. A boujee beauty.
Charlie says: * * * * *