Archive for 2020

Christmas drinks, a natural selection

27 November 2020 at 13:40

Christmas drinks, a natural selection

Want to stay healthy and alcahol-free this Christmas? With less than a month away, and uncertainty over grocery deliveries, socialising and pub opening rules, many of us are planning for a very different kind of celebration this year.

Although it might be tempting to stock up on booze and drown our sorrows why not stock up on nutrient-packed fruit and warming spices instead, and make 2020 the year to try an alcohol-free Christmas! If you're stuck for ideas, check out our top seasonal healthy drinks below:

Sparkling cranberry and ginger kombucha

  • 120ml  cranberry juice
  • 700ml original or ginger kombucha
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary to garnish

Mash together the sliced ginger and rosemary using a pestle and mortar (or use a bowl and wooden spoon) to release the flavour. Add the cranberry juice and kombucha, stirring gently, then pour or strain into glasses filled with crushed ice, and garnish with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary to serve

Passion fruit and pineapple punch

  • 60ml fresh orange and passionfruit juice
  • 60ml fresh pineapple juice
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk

Combine all the ingredients and pour over ice in a glass to serve

Warm pear and ginger cider

  • 2 ripe pears, cored and chopped
  • 1-2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 300ml filtered water
  • ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 or 4 drops vanilla extract

Put the chopped pears, ginger and water into a blender. Blend to a smooth, thick puree. Place a fine mesh strainer over a saucepan and push the puree through the strainer with a wooden spoon, until all of the liquid is in the pan. Gently heat on a medium-low setting. Once warm, remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Serve immediately.

Non alcoholic mulled wine

  • 2 small oranges (preferably organic as the recipe includes the peel)
  • 1 litre cranberry juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise
  • 4 cloves 
  • Small pinch of nutmeg
  • A handful of  cranberries to decorate

Juice one of the oranges and cut the other into thin strips, then place all the ingredients into a large pan and simmer on a low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and allow the flavours to infuse for up to an hour for a stronger spicy flavour. This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker, set on low for 1.5 hours. Serve warm and enjoy!

Spiced Christmas coffee

  • 4 tbsp ground coffee
  • 1small cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves, crushed
  • Small pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Zest of 1 orange

Place the ground coffee and cinnamon stick into a large cafetiere. Add the nutmeg, cloves and orange zest, then top with 400ml freshly boiled water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, then allow to brew for 4 mins. Slowly push down the plunger and serve in espresso cups

 

Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash

Tags: Christmas | Health | Recipes

Posted in Health | Nutrition

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