SHAKE up your cocktails this New Year with shortcuts that can save time and money.
From ready-made mixers to own-brand booze, you can still enjoy top tipples on a budget.
Here are some ideas that are just the tonic . . .
MIX IT UP: A long list of ingredients is a thing of the past thanks to pre-made mixers.
You can use them in classics such as margaritas, mojitos and martinis.
To avoid a hangover, try non-alcoholic cocktails.
Drivers and non-drinkers can enjoy them served over ice, or add a dash of booze for those that want it.
Mojito fans can pop 50ml rum in Belvoir Farm’s non-alcoholic lime & yuzu mojito, down to £2 from £3.25 with a Tesco Clubcard or Nectar card at Sainsbury’s.
USE YOUR BOOZE: Before you buy any more alcohol, check your cupboards and create drinks using up what’s there.
Keep it simple instead of trying to master a whole cocktail menu.
SWITCH SEASONS: If you have Aperol left over from summer, make a winter Aperol spritz by adding it, with prosecco, to Belvoir Farm mulled winter punch.
Garnish with orange and cranberries.
Recipe at belvoirfarm.co.uk/recipes/winter-aperol-spritz.
ORDER, ORDER: To make sure you don’t waste money, pour cheaper — usually non-alcoholic — ingredients first.
That means if you blunder with the recipe, you don’t have to chuck pricey alcohol down the sink.
Add it at the end and give it a good shake. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a lidded jar.
SWEET STUFF: A frosted rim around the top of the glass looks fab.
Pour sugar on a plate, add a few drops of food dye if you want a dash of colour, then mix well.
Wet the top of the glass using lemon, lime or orange juice, or honey.
Even water on its own should work.
Place your glass upside down on the plate and turn it around until the rim is covered.
Leave to dry before pouring your drink.
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