Hot and cold mocktails to keep you going through lockdown

THE HOT: MULLED GRAPE JUICE

If stocks of red wine are running low, try this trusty winter chill-busting recipe that uses red grape juice instead.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 litre red grape juice

Zest and juice of 2 oranges

1 sliced orange

250ml (1 cup) cranberry or pomegranate juice

1 sliced lemon or lime

1 stick of cinnamon

5 cloves

5ml (1 tsp) ground nutmeg

1 bay leaf

3 allspice berries

1 star anise

A generous knob of finely sliced ginger

30ml (1 tbsp) pomegranate molasses or syrup

Method:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes over a low heat.
2. Remove from the heat and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to infuse.
3. Just before serving heat through and serve with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries and extra citrus slices. 

THE COLD: THE ICE-O-LATION MOCKTAIL

Run out of spirits to give your mixed drinks a boozy kick? This mocktail still hits the spot sans alcohol.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

250ml (1 cup) fresh orange juice

5ml (1 tbsp) lemon or lime juice

Ice

250ml (1 cup) soda or sparkling water (or ginger ale or bitter lemon)

A dash of sugar, optional

Pinch of salt

Handful of mint leaves

Method:

1. Mix the orange and lemon or lime juice in a jug.
2. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the juice mixture in the glass till half full.
3. Add the soda or sparkling water, a dash of sugar if desired and a pinch of salt.
4. Lightly crush the mint leaves and divide between the 2 glasses.
5. Pop in an eco-friendly straw and garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy.