Apple and rose hip warmer

Three years ago I ventured out to Midsummer Common to see the Cambridge fireworks display. I finally got the feeling back in my toes but I will never forget the cold, wet misery. All my own fault, I was shockingly under prepared in the wrong shoes and without cocktails. I really don't know what I was thinking. The fireworks and bonfire were very impressive and almost worth the pain but if I was to venture there again I would certainly bring a flask of this warming cocktail. 

 

The cocktail I recommend for such an occasion is very simple and combines apple juice and rose hip syrup together with a spirit such as whiskey or rum. I heat all of the ingredients apart from the alcohol together and then add alcohol to the glasses of those who want it. Without the alcohol, it's perfect for warming up cold, miserable children or anyone else who is not so keen on spirits. Rose hips are rich in vitamin A and C so if we forget about all the sugar for a moment it's almost a health drink.   

If you are out trick or treating for Halloween tonight it may be just the thing to revive you on your return.

Apple and rose hip warmer

6 parts apple juice
4 parts rose hip syrup  
1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-3 parts whiskey (or rum) for alcoholic version 
few drops of apple cider or Angostura bitters (optional)
apple slices to garnish if desired

Combine the apple juice, rose hip syrup and lemon juice in a saucepan and heat gently until warm. Serve immediately in heat proof glasses or cups or you could store in a thermos for use later (on the freezing Common!). Add the alcohol directly to the cups of those who need it.

You can hear me talking about this cocktail on Flavour on Cambridge 105 on Saturday 31st November at 12pm.

Green, white and orange plus Irish whiskey. Definitely my most Irish photo to date.

 

Cocktail of the month: sloe warmer

I was struggling with the loss of summer last month. A few Autumn acclimatisation cocktails later and I am back with the seasonal programme. I am out a lot enjoying the scarf and gloves weather (I'm really going for walks so I can listen to the Serial podcast).

When I get back after a late afternoon ramble a warming cocktail seems like just the ticket. This weekend I hope to get organised enough to make it in advance and bring it out with me in a flask.

This is a really easy cocktail. A light sugar syrup infused with spices forms the base and is topped up with sloe gin. You can make a little or a lot of the base depending on how many people are coming out to enjoy the Autumn weather with you.

sloe warmer

2 parts water (I used 2 cups)

1 part sugar (I used 1 cup)

1 part apple juice (I used 1 cup)

spices: cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, juniper berries

squeeze of lemon

sloe gin or vodka

Heat the water, the sugar and the apple juice with the spices in a saucepan. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for at least an hour. Your house is going to smell fantastic at this stage. Strain out the spices, return to the pan and add a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Ensure the mixture is nice and hot. Warm a cup or heat proof glass with boiling water. Half fill the glass with the light syrup and then top up with sloe gin. Garnish with lemon slices and spices.

You can hear me talking about this Autumnal cocktail on the Flavour programme (Cambridge 105) at 12 noon today.

Cocktail of the month: Autumn acclimatisation

I find the change in the seasons the most difficult. Once I get into the swing of Autumn I adore it: scarves, tights, hats, soup, bonfires, leaves, harvest hymns. I love it all. But while I'm adjusting, I find it tricky. I made it hard on myself this year by grabbing a few days in sunny Spain at the start of October which just delayed the inevitable. This change of season manifests itself as extreme tiredness, crankiness and an overwhelming urge to hibernate. I prescribed myself an Autumnal cocktail in an attempt to get over it. It had to be sloe based. It serves as a reminder to get out into the hedgerows and pick the last of the sloes.

 

Autumn acclimatisation

50mL medium apple juice (I like the juice from Watergull Orchards)

30mL sloe gin or vodka

20mL Adnams Winter spiced liqueur

15mL ginger & spice infused simple syrup

Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

3 drops apple cider bitters

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or pint glass. Taste and add more lemon juice if necessary. Pour into a lowball glass filled with ice. Top with slices of apple and sloes if you have them (I freeze some every year when I collect them for garnish purposes).

Hear me talking about this lovely Autumnal cocktail on the Flavour programme (Cambridge 105) at 12 noon today.