So lets begin with drinks........
Before we get into it, I must admit that I have a slight obsession with Starbucks, not just during Christmas time but all year round! (although during Christmas, Starbucks gets out their Christmas cups and I can't help but to buy a drink every time I walk past)
STARBUCKS
This year, Starbucks has brought out a special flavour for Christmas which is the Orange Mocha, though I have not tried it as I am too attached to their latte, I am sure it tastes like a delicious cup of Christmas. Starbucks also is running an interesting charity campaign for CrisisUK and OasisUK. Check out their twitter, @StarbucksUK or check out their website - http://www.starbucks.co.uk for more details.
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During this cold Christmas time, we would all love a cup of hot chocolate and to snuggle up in a big, soft blanket while its snowing crazy outside. Or, we need a pick-me-up once in a while during a holiday party or a special night.
Peppermint hot chocolate: -
INGREDIENTS
200g bar plain chocolate, broken into chunks
600ml milk
150ml pot single or double cream
sugar, to taste
6 peppermint candy canes to serve
METHOD
- Put the chocolate in a pan with the milk. Gently heat, stirring until all the chocolate has melted. Continue heating until the milk is steaming, then remove from the heat and stir in the cream.
- Divide the hot chocolate between 6 mugs, add sugar to taste and hang a candy cane on the edge of each. Pass the mugs round and let everyone stir their hot chocolate with their candy cane - letting as much of the sweet peppermint dissolve as they fancy.
Raspberry Martini Fizz:-
INGREDIENTS
350ml Martini Rosso
150ml gin
4 tsp icing sugar
24 frozen raspberries
2 bottles chilled Prosecco or other sparkling wine
METHOD
- Mix the Martini and gin together and chill or store in a bottle if making ahead. If you have room in your fridge or freezer, chill your Champagne glasses, too.
- When your guests are due to arrive, spoon 1/2 tsp icing sugar into 8 Champagne glasses. Pour over the Martini mixture, mix with a spoon and add the frozen raspberries. Top up the sparkling wine just before serving.
Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch:-
INGREDIENTS
2L (3 1/4 pints) cranberry juice
2 oranges, zested
14 whole cloves
175g dried cranberry juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
300g honey
2 cinnamon sticks
METHOD
- Pour cranberry juice into a slow cooker; set on high or in a large stockpot over medium heat on the hob.
- Add remaining ingredients to the juice. Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steamy, about 20 minutes.
Hot Mulled Apple Juice:-
INGREDIENTS
1.5L (2 1/2 pints) apple juice
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
peel of 1 orange, cut into strips
peel of 1 lemon, cut into strips
METHOD
- Pour the apple juice and maple syrup into a large stainless steal saucepan.
- Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in a muslin spice bag. Secure with kitchen string. Drop the spice bag into the juice mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is very hot but not boiling.
- Remove from the heat. Discard the spice bag. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired
Gingerbread Latte:-
INGREDIENTS
2 fluid ounces espresso coffee
2 tbsp gingerbread flavoured syrup
125ml milk, steamed
30ml whipped cream
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
METHOD
- In a coffee mug, combine espresso coffee with flavoured syrup. Pour in steamed milk.
- Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla powder.
TEA
Tea - like a hug in a cup.
This year, I have come to love tea more than ever. Twinings has a wide variety of delicious and beautiful teas specially brought out for this time of the year. Check out their website to have a look
I do really enjoy the Christmas Wishes by Twinings. It is a blend of soft camomile with rooibos and the flavour of sweet pear. It is delicious and a lovely festive infusion. Check out Twinings' website for more choices - http://twinings.co.uk/christmas-teas
Merry Christmas, xx
Twitter: @jessieashleyyy
Instagram: @jessieashhh
Email: jessicashleyyy@gmail.com
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