"Raise Your Glass to Lychee Magic: Spirited and Sober Sips Await!"

"Lychee Libations: Spirited and Sober Sips to Shake Up Your Taste Adventure!"

    Today, I'm taking you on a trip down memory lane, where lychees stole the spotlight in a tale that began in the heart of Thailand.  In 2009, during our first Thai escapade, we found ourselves at Swarnabhoomi International Airport, each clutching a treasure trove of lychees – a delightful gift to commemorate National Tourism Week. As a tourist juggling lychees, entry visas, and baggage, I was a one-person circus, desperately in need of a restroom break. The moment I secured our entry visas and reclaimed our baggage, I made a beeline for the nearby restroom.

    It was there, in the midst of post-travel relief, that a sweet lady surprised me by pulling my hand. 'These lychees are from Chiang Mai,' she proudly declared, 'the finest in the country.' Little did she know, right there at the restroom, she turned us into lychee aficionados!

    Now, every time a lychee crosses my path, I'm instantly transported back to those airport twilight hours and the sweet lady's contagious smile. And guess what? I've bottled up those memories as a simple homemade lychee syrup – a potion for a taste bud voyage, waiting for you on my blog!

Click here, if you're in the mood for a variety of "Cocktails and Mocktails", cheers to a flavourful journey! 🍹✨
 

Cuisine: Festive Beverage
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1 Standard Martini Glass
Author: SM

 
Preparation Time: 5 minutes (plus additional time for chilling)
Cooking Time: None (It's a no-cook recipe!)

Check out my simple Homemade Lychee Syrup Recipe here!

    The Lychee Martini : Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Tales in a Glass

"Raise Your Glass to Lychee Magic: Spirited and Sober Sips Await!"

Alcoholic Lychee Martini - A Tale in a Glass

Ingredients:

 

Method:

• In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, lychee syrup, and fresh lime juice.
• Fill the shaker with ice cubes – the more, the merrier!
• Shake it well until the flavours mingle.
• Strain the heavenly concoction into a chilled Martini glass.
• Garnish with a fresh lychee, for an aesthetic touch, & finish it off extravagantly.

Notes:

• Feel free to adjust the syrup quantity based on your sweetness preference.
• Experiment with flavoured vodka for an extra kick – lychee vodka, anyone?

 

"Raise Your Glass to Lychee Magic: Spirited and Sober Sips Await!"

 

Non-Alcoholic Lychee Mocktail: A Sans Spirit Tale

Ingredients:

60 ml Lychee Syrup (about 2 oz)
30 ml fresh Lime Juice (about 1 oz)
Sparkling Water or Soda
Ice cubes
Fresh Lychee for garnish
Mint Leaves for extra freshness

 

Method:

• In a shaker, combine lychee syrup and fresh lime juice.
• Shake it well until the flavours mingle.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
• Top it up with sparkling water or soda for that effervescent kick.
• Garnish with a fresh lychee and a sprig of mint – because mocktails can be fancy too!

Notes:

• Adjust the syrup quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices for a twist.

 

"Raise Your Glass to Lychee Magic: Spirited and Sober Sips Await!"

 

    Embark on a journey through Thai tales and lychee magic with these Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Lychee Martini recipes. Whether you prefer the spirited dance of vodka or the effervescent charm of a mocktail, each sip is a homage to an unexpected lychee encounter at Swarnabhoomi International Airport. Bottling up the essence of that Thai moment, the homemade lychee syrup awaits on the blog, ready to take your taste buds on a voyage. So, shake, sip, and indulge – let's turn this into a lychee-loving celebration! Cheers to the magic in every glass and the stories in every sip. Until next time, happy mixing!

"Homemade Christmas Punch - A sip into the festive spirit!"

 Sparkling Joy: Crafted Tales of Homemade Christmas Punch

    Ahoy there, festive foodies! 🎄✨ As we usher in the season of merriment and joy, let's embark on a flavourful journey into the heart of Christmas cheer with our enchanting creation – the 'Homemade Christmas Punch.' Laughter echoing, lights twinkling, and a glass of this magical concoction in hand, transform you into a festive mood that makes your taste buds dance, and it sure warms your soul.

    Let's Toast this Christmas Punch to Festive Gatherings - It isn't just a beverage; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of togetherness. Whether you're hosting a grand Christmas party or opting for an intimate family gathering, this Homemade Christmas Punch is your perfect companion. It effortlessly transforms any gathering into a spirited affair, where every sip is a toast to love, laughter, and the magic of the season.

    But wait, there's more! Ever considered starting your Christmas day with a punch? Some traditions go beyond the ordinary, and having Christmas Punch for breakfast is one of them. It's a Breakfast Elixir! Waking up to the delightful aroma of cinnamon and the refreshing burst of citrus, is sure to make your day; it's a festive wake-up call, setting the tone for a day filled with warmth and joy.

    Now, let's delve into the magic behind the scenes. The ginger in this Christmas Punch isn't just there for its spicy kick; it's a digestive dance for your stomach. As you indulge in the elaborate feast of the day, ginger steps in as the culinary hero, aiding digestion and ensuring that every bite is savoured without a hint of discomfort.

    Let's take A Sip of History on the go: As we revel in the present, the roots of Christmas Punch stretch back centuries, a tradition intertwined with tales of camaraderie and festive indulgence. Originating in the heart of holiday celebrations, this timeless elixir has graced the tables of generations, evolving into a cherished custom that transcends time and borders.

    So, whether you're clinking glasses at a soirée, sipping it as a morning ritual, or revelling in its digestive charm, this Homemade Christmas Punch is one best festive drink option; it's a testament to the spirit of the season. Join us in raising your glass to the magic of homemade joy! 

"Homemade Christmas Punch - A sip into the festive spirit!"

• The Alchemy of Flavours: Crafting this punch is like conducting a symphony of tastes. The zesty kick from homemade ginger ale dances with the citrusy notes of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, while the homemade pineapple juice adds a tropical twist. It's a blend that transports you to flavour paradise. Customize your holiday punch, with your choice of juices, spirits and garnishes.

• Cranberry Elegance: Did you know cranberries are not just pretty? They bring a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Whether store-bought or homemade, cranberry juice is the secret ingredient that ties this concoction together in a festive bow.

• Ginger Ale Magic: Homemade ginger ale isn't just a fizzy addition; it's a burst of warmth and spiciness. Imagine the comforting scent of ginger wafting through the air as you sip, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond taste.

Click here, if you're in the mood for a variety of "Cocktails and Mocktails", cheers to a flavourful journey! 🍹✨
 

Cuisine: Festive Beverage
Course: Drinks
Servings: Approximately 8 glasses
Author: SM

 
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus additional time for chilling)
Cooking Time: None (It's a no-cook recipe!)

"Sip and Sparkle: Crafting Homemade Christmas Punch (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Bliss)"

"Homemade Christmas Punch - A sip into the festive spirit!"

Ingredients:

• 2 cups homemade Ginger Ale
• 1 cup freshly squeezed Orange Juice
• 3 cups homemade Pineapple Juice
• 1/2 cup fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup homemade Simple Syrup
• 1 cup store-bought Cranberry Juice (or homemade if you're feeling extra fancy)
• Fresh cranberries and Orange slices for garnish
• Cinnamon Sticks & Star anise for that festive aroma

For an in-depth guide on crafting refreshing "Juices and Drinks", click here...

For the Non-Alcoholic Version:

• Skip the alcoholic spirits.

For the Alcoholic Version:

• Add 1 cup of your preferred spirits (e.g., rum or vodka).

Method:

1. In a large punch bowl, combine your homemade ginger ale, freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and store-bought or homemade cranberry juice.
2. Stir in the homemade simple syrup for that perfect balance of sweetness.
3. Add ice cubes to chill the punch, or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
4. For the alcoholic version, add your chosen spirits.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a few cinnamon sticks & star anise.
6. Stir gently and let the festive magic begin!

Notes & Tips:

• Feel free to customize by adding a splash of your favourite spirits for the grown-up version.
• Prepare the simple syrup in advance by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.
• Experiment with garnishes like mint leaves or frozen berries for an extra visual treat.
• I have used dried cranberries in this punch. I have rehydrated the dried cranberries by covering with water, in a microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds; let stand 5 minutes. Or, pour very hot liquid over dried cranberries and let stand 20 minutes.

"Homemade Christmas Punch - A sip into the festive spirit!"

   As we draw the curtains on our festive concoction, it's time for a toast to the magic in every sip. Our Homemade Christmas Punch isn't just a drink; it's a symphony of flavours that harmonize with the spirit of celebration. From lively gatherings to tranquil breakfast moments, this punch wears many hats, each one more charming than the last. Try your hand with your choice of this Festive Drink Recipe with Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options.

    So, whether you're hosting a grand feast or simply craving a burst of festive flavour, this Christmas Party Beverage is your passport to a world of homemade joy. Cheers to the magic, the memories, and the moments shared over this sparkling elixir!

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

"Sip & Celebrate: Christmas in a Glass with Apple Wine Sangria"🎄🍎🍷

    Hey there, party enthusiasts! If you're on the hunt for a signature fall cocktail, look no further than this Apple Sangria. Traditionally, made with red wine, brandy, spices, and those irresistibly juicy apples, this Festive Cocktail is the ultimate drink to spice up your season.  

    Why stick to the ordinary when you can craft a sip of the extraordinary? I would like spicing things up with a unique twist on tradition.  Presenting this Christmas Sangria, a holiday cheer, infused with homemade apple wine, the essence of my unique winemaking journey.  The fruity notes dancing with the brandy kick – it's a symphony of flavours in a glass. 🍎🍷  

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

For step-by-step instructions on making Homemade Apple Wine, click here...

    A drink that's sweet but not overly sugary, where every sip unveils a symphony of flavours – from the robust homemade apple wine to the warmth of brandy, all dancing with the essence of fresh apples, oranges and spices, which makes Apple Sangria a Year-Round Sip! 

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

Sip & Slip into the past!

    Did you know Sangria has a page in history dating back to 200 B.C.? It's like a time-travelling sip! The Romans, lovers of Spanish red wines, coined the term 'Sangria' from the Latin 'sanguis', meaning blood, referring to its deep colour. Over time, brandy and fruits joined the party, making it the potent and flavourful punch we adore today.  

A Dilemma over the Wine! 

    Choosing the right wine for your Sangria is an art.  Go traditional with Spanish Red Wine, or can go with your choice of wine.  Remember, the best Sangria is the one that suits your taste buds, so don't be afraid to experiment with your Sangria recipe.

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

Prep Time: 15 minutes

To discover additional Festive Cocktails, simply click here... 

Crafting Christmas Cheer: A Festive Journey with Homemade Apple Wine Sangria!"

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

Ingredients:

For Christmas Sangria:

• 1/2 medium Apple, thinly sliced
  
• 1/2 medium Orange sliced with the rind on
• 3–4 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 3/4 cup homemade Orange Juice
• 1/3 cup Brandy
• 750 ml Homemade Apple Wine
• 1 cup Ice

For an in-depth guide on crafting refreshing "Juices and Drinks", click here...

 Mixology Magic:

• Add apples, oranges, and sugar to a large jug and muddle for 45 seconds.
• Pour in orange juice and brandy, give it another muddle.
• Add the homemade apple wine, stir, and let the flavours mingle.
• Chill with ice and garnish with a flourish of fruit for that extra pizazz.

Pro tip: Let the Sangria party in the fridge for at least half a day – the longer, the better!

Notes & Tips:

• Experiment Freely: Feel free to play around with the fruit combinations. Berries, pears, or even a hint of cranberries can add an extra layer of flavour.
• Wine Selection: While our homemade apple wine steals the show, you can experiment with different wines for unique twists. White wine can bring a lighter touch, perfect for warmer days.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste. The sweetness can vary based on the apples and wine you choose.
• Chill Time: For the best results, let your Christmas Sangria chill in the fridge for at least half a day. This allows the flavours to meld and create a more harmonious blend.
  

Sip the festive spirit with Christmas Sangria

      Now, go ahead, whip up this autumn elixir, and let the good times flow.  This delightful concoction is a product of my inner winemaking creativity, placing the spotlight on my homemade apple wine in this Sangria Extravaganza. Here's to experiencing the enchantment of crafted magic with every sip! 🍷✨

    Let's raise a glass to the season of brisk air, crisp apples, and unforgettable moments with this celebratory drink - Christmas Sangria! 🍹✨

LYCHEE LEMONADE

    Recently the heat is soaring, & the temperature is hitting as high as 36-38 °C.  Malaysia being a Tropical country lying just above the Equatorial line, the weather is always Rain and Shine.  But the recent weather is making us feel the necessity to keep ourselves hydrated.  So for the recent weather, there is nothing as apt as cool and refreshing drinks, which would quench our thirst, keep ourselves hydrated and also satiate our minds.

    This post is the somewhat a variation or a continuity of the previous post and that is the Lychee Juice with an addition of lemon juice - Lychee Lemonade.  This super simple refreshing lychee lemonade is a quick fix drink and all you need are some fresh/canned Lychees, Cold Water and fresh Lemon Juice.  If you have ready-made/homemade Lychee syrup, then the job gets much easier. 

LYCHEE LEMONADE

    Well, if you cannot find fresh Lychees, then you can get hold of dried or canned lychees too. And also, there are a variety of Lychee Syrups and juices available in the market. For Fresh Lychee Juice, you’ll need about 15-20 fresh lychees for a cup of juice.  Remove the shells and seeds.  Then, you can blend the fruit with water, add a Sugar/honey or any sweetener of your choice. Lychee Juice serves best when chilled with a few pieces of Lychees.  Blending the Lychee fruit with water will create a tasty drink with pulp. If you prefer a smooth consistency, you can run the lychee juice through a strainer first.  If you can’t get your hands on fresh lychee, you can also use canned lychees to make homemade lychee juice.

    Whereas, if you are making Lychee Juice with homemade Lychee Syrup it is just one quick mix and there you go with a ready-made Lychee Juice within no time.  Add a dash of Lime/lemon juice or serve it with a hint of Mint for an extra note of flavour in this drink.  This Lychee Lemonade turns out to be a cooling and refreshing drink with a wonderful flavour of a Tropical fruit - Lychee.  

 

For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 1-2
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

 

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE LYCHEE SYRUP, Click here...  

 

LYCHEE LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS:

For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

 

Lychees - 15–20 fruits
Sugar/Honey - 1 Tablespoon (optional)
Water -1/ 2 - 1 Cup

Lemon/Lime Juice - 2–3 Teaspoons

For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:

Water - 2 Cups (Chilled)

Lychee Syrup - 3–4 Tablespoons

Lemon/Lime Juice - 2–3 Teaspoons 

Ice Cubes - few

For garnishing (Optional Ingredients):

A Few Lychees

Mint Leaves - a few (Optional) 

Basil Seeds (soaked) - a few

 

LYCHEE LEMONADE

 

METHOD:

 

For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

• If using fresh Lychees, peel off the skin and cut the lychees and remove the seed. 
• Then rinse the Lychees well and leave it in a colander for a few minutes.
• Then cut them into small pieces.
• Pour in the water, sugar & blend it until well combined.
• Pour the Lychee Juice through a strainer. 
• I use my juicer jar (which came along with my blender) for the purpose, which has a strainer within, which makes the process easier.
• Collect the strained Lychee Juice in a bowl. 
• Add Lemon Juice and give a quick stir.
  
• If you are adding Honey, then add it at this stage.
  
• Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Juice chilled or at room temperature.
• Garnish Lychee Lemonade with a few fresh pieces of Lychees and a slice of Lemon.
• Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Lemonade over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Lemonade.

LYCHEE LEMONADE

 

For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:

• Take a cup of cold water.
  
• Fill a Boston Shaker with some Ice Cubes.
• Pour in the Lychee Syrup, Lemon Juice & Cold Water into it.
• Shake well until well combined.
• Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Lemonade chilled or at room temperature.
• Garnish Lychee Lemonade with a few fresh pieces of Lychees and slice of Lemon.
• Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Juice over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Lemonade.

LYCHEE LEMONADE

 NOTES:

• I have used about 15-20 fresh Lychees, and I got a medium-sized glass of Lychee Juice out of it.
• I have added a cup of water while blending the Lychees.
  
• Adding Sweeteners to the drink is purely optional.
• Adjust the amount of Lemon Juice to suit your taste preference.
  
• Adding Mint Leaves/Basil Leaves to the juice can give you an extra note of taste and flavour to Lychee Lemonade. But it is purely optional.
• Can also add a small teaspoon of soaked Basil Seeds(Sabja) to the Lychee Lemonade.  Sabja Seeds helps in cooling down the body system as a whole.

LYCHEE LEMONADE

HOW TO STORE FRESH HOME-MADE FRESH LYCHEE JUICE?

• It is best enjoyed shortly after it is made. 
• However, you can keep it in your refrigerator for 2–3 days in a glass bottle or jar.  Keep it covered.
• Freshly extracted Lychee Juice (without added sweeteners) can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days. 
• Do not dilute it with water if you're storing it.
• Do not add Lemon Juice to the Lychee Juice if you are planning to store it.
• Add Lemon Juice just before serving for a refreshing feel, if stored for a longer time the drink may turn bitter.
  

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

    Yet another Wine and Yet another New Year - a new beginning... or is it the same monotonous cycle of day in, day out?  Anyway, let's begin this New Year with a Toast - 'HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023', with my home-made Pineapple Wine.  Also, my blog 'ESSENCE OF LIFE - FOOD' is nearing its Seventh Anniversary in another 16 days on 17th January. 

    On the run this New Year Post turned out to be the 800th Post in Essence of Life - Food and as I noticed that the Statistics says that my Blog has crossed 1 Million Views.  So, this Post, a Wine, suits well to be raised as a Toast for this occasion.  With not much of overwhelming response or income, my hobby of blogging is still fuelled with my Passion.  With quiet of a lot of other chores happening around me, this year turned out to be slow, and I spent very little of my quality time for my blog. Love what I am doing and Happy with what I yield out of it. I would like to Thank all my viewers on this occasion for all the support & encouragement.

Celebrating 1 Million+ Views for my Blog

Thanks for all the support and encouragement...

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

     Well, coming back to the recipe... If you have been reading my posts, then you may all know, that making a new wine each year and toasting it for Christmas & New Year had been a routine at home for years.  This Pineapple Wine was the one I brewed during last Christmas Season, and it is ready for the toast this year. Though there are schools which believe in making quick-fix wines, I belong to the school where the thumb rule sticks to the norm - "Wines get better with Age".  Patience is much appreciated while brewing a homemade Wine & it gets better as it ages.  

     Wine making has become a routine in my kitchen, with a few varieties of well brewed homemade wines always ready to be catered. Recently I re-bottled all my Wines from my collection.  And seeing a wide range of collection, my son said, they are going to sue me for brewing Illicit Hooch! Ah! That sounded a bit gruesome.  And all those bottles lined up, and used occasionally when a guest visits our house and in my baking, what was I doing with so much of Wines? As such, it all started as a hobby, backed up by my husband (but the irony is, he never drinks it just apart from tasting it.)  The fact is, I do not drink or even like to taste the Wines, I make.  I have professional wine tasters at my disposal... ha… ha… ha… just joking.  My Wine tasters are my beloved hubby & kids. 

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

    Believe it or not, I do not drink...  Thinking, all the while - though it may not be a virtue of its own, it stayed as much as a preference, a personal choice. 

Ah! 

I never want to know
The fun of a fermented liquid
Which spreads joy
Shrinks the Sorrows...
When it flows into my mouth
Slips past my tongue and 

Slides down my throat
I won’t flinch, nor feel the after-burn left in its wake

Nor the ecstasy of the drink ...

I may never be able to share...
Stories of peers who gathered for a booze
Who’s bottoms were up as was mine downing & drowning & gulping
Until all were washed away & all were sloshed

Only the sane & sober
Would wake up to give an exact account of what transpired

Of the untold stories
And no one would fill in the blanks 

For the best of all...

    Here's a very simple recipe for an old-fashioned wine made out of Pineapple Peels. This is a recipe from my old cook book which I had jotted down during my college days with an all sceptical idea, whether I would make a wine at all in my life and a wine with Pineapple Peels??? But it looked different and out of the box then.  But life has taken me into a stroll where I am brewing wines in the name of illicit hooch, and it has become a hobby of my OWN!

    This is a simple Pineapple Wine recipe with simple home-made wine making technique, but the results are really awesome.  And the colour which I got naturally from the brew took me offhand when I was shooting the pictures.  The sunlight which probed into the wine glass gave it a wonderful and catchy spectacle with a golden hue!
    

Recipe Type - Wine
Difficulty - Medium
Yields - 3-4 Bottles
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 30 -45 Minutes
Brewing Time for Wine - 3 Months - 1 Year

HOMEMADE PINEAPPLE WINE  

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

INGREDIENTS:

For Pineapple Wine:

To Activate the Yeast:

Yeast  - 1 Packet (11 Grams)
Sugar - 5 Teaspoons.
Warm Water - 1/3 Cup

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

METHOD:

For Pineapple Peel Wine:

• Using a knife, slice off the top & bottom part of the Pineapple.
• Cut off the outer layer (the Peel) and reserve it.
  
• Slice the Pineapple and then cut it into small Pieces.
• Chop the Pineapple Peel into small pieces.
• Add the chopped Pineapples, Pineapple Peels, Sugar, and the Lemon in a large glass or ceramic jar.
• Pour 5 litres of boiling water into it and leave it aside for 12 hours.
• Activate the Yeast by putting it in warm water and 5 teaspoons of Sugar.
• Add activated yeast to the mix after 12 hours
• Can add some extra Sugar and few sticks of Cinnamon to add more sweetness and flavour to the Pineapple Peel Wine.
• Stir it every day for a week.
• After a week, strain and press the juice out of the mixture and bottle it. 
• Keep the bottles tightly closed.
• Store them in a dark and dry place for about 3 months.
• Re-bottle the clear wine, leaving the sediments behind for another one month. 
• The Pineapple Wine should be filtered properly at this stage.
• Taste the Pineapple Wine after two months, add sweetness and flavour if needed.
• Do the above process until there are no sediments left.
• Good quality Pineapples yields the best Pineapple Wine. 
• Like most of the wines, it will improve with age.

NOTES:

• Cutting the Pineapples & its peels into small pieces will yield more flavour and body to the wine.
• Pineapples are naturally sweeter, so adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
• I just used normal yeast, as it is very difficult to get wine yeast in my area.
• If you can get hold of Wine Yeast, go ahead with it and also can add Campden Tablets.
  
• Stirring the wine is very important for the fermenting process.
• Store them in clean and dry bottles in a moist free place.
• As I am staying in a tropical area, my wine brewed up sooner. But I strictly followed the regime.
• I did not use any artificial colours, food preservatives or enhancers in this Pineapple Wine.
• The colour and flavour, which I got naturally out of it, were more satisfying.

PINEAPPLE PEEL WINE

SM

MULLED APPLE JUICE

    Christmas Season calls for traditional Christmas beverages.  Most of the households have their own favourites, and it comes out with regional specialities too. Mostly it is Mulled Wine, Christmas Sangria, Old fashioned Eggnog etc., & these traditional drinks can either be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.  The Season calls for a party and loads of food.  When it's a Party, to booze around is the new norm, may be an age-old tradition too.  

    When you always have some Apples lying out in the refrigerator, I am driven to think how to finish it off.  While I tried making quite a few recipes out of it along with simple Apple Shakes, this Mulled Apple Juice turned out to be versatile, and I was able to use it up in various other drinks & mocktails, and also it tasted good in a Spiced Apple Tea. Mulled Apple Juice was as tasty it was, and I happened to finish a whole big bottle of this Juice within a few days all on my own.  Benefits being, I was guilt free drinking this juice as it was less sweet, warm & aromatic with spices, and it had no additives & preservatives. 

MULLED APPLE JUICE

    Apples are so synonymous to winter.  Though I have not lived in a country so depictive about these, but the brain somehow or the other recognizes apples in terms with Winter.  So a Mulled Apple Juice would be one wonderful addition to the list of recipes for this Christmas Season.  This delicious mulled apple juice is a quick and simple winter warmer, containing all the flavours of the festive season, and even an amateur cook can rustle it up in no time.  

    Mulled Apple Juice is a non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine. Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Oranges mingle with warm apple juice in this astounding non-alcoholic alternative to classic Christmas spirits.  There would always be people like me who never prefer alcoholic drinks at a party and this Mulled Apple Juice can be for people like me & it can be served to the kids too.  Though don't just leave it off thinking it's not as good as any alcoholic beverage, it comes with all warmness with its sweet and spicy taste. 

For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here... 

Recipe Type - Juice
Difficulty - Medium
Yields - 1 - 11/2 Litres
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 10 -15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 50 Minutes - 1 Hour
 

HOW TO MAKE MULLED APPLE JUICE

MULLED APPLE JUICE

INGREDIENTS:

To Cook Apples:

Apples -6-8 Nos.
Cinnamon - 1 stick
Nutmeg - 1/2 Teaspoon
Water - as required 

For Mulled Apple Juice:

Orange Juice - 1 Cup
Orange Peel - 4-5 Pieces
Brown Sugar - 5 Tablespoons
Vanilla Extract - 1/2 Teaspoon  

METHOD:

To Cook the Apples:

• Wash, core, remove the seeds & then cut the apples into four pieces.
• There is no need to peel the apples.
• Add the apples to a pot, add enough water to just cover them.
• Add Cinnamon sticks & Nutmeg Powder to the above and give a quick stir.
• I cooked the apples in a pressure cooker, which was quicker.  Cooked for 2-3 Whistles.
• Otherwise, boil the apples for about 25-30 minutes, or until the apples turn soft & cooked.
• Using a Potato Masher, mash the cooked apples.
• Now, strain the Apple juice through a fine meshed strainer or a cheese cloth.
• Place the fine meshed strainer or a cheese cloth over a bowl.
• Carefully ladle out the hot apple juice mixture into the strainer and gently mash the apples.
• The juice will be filtered through the bottom into the bowl, and the apple mush will be left in the strainer.
• Transfer the apple mush into a separate bowl and keep it aside.
• Repeat until all the apple juice is strained through.
• Collect the strained apple juice.

MULLED APPLE JUICE

For Mulled Apple Juice:

• Extract juice from the Oranges and keep it aside.  
• We may need about 1 Cup of Orange Juice for this Mulled Apple Juice.
  
• Save a few pieces of Orange peels too.
• Now, add Brown Sugar and Vanilla extract to the apple juice.
• Pour in the Orange Juice and add a few pieces of Orange Peels to the above and give a quick stir.
• Stir in the Vanilla Extract.
• Boil this on a low flame for about 15-20 minutes, or until the brown sugar is well dissolved.
  
• Switch off the flame and strain the mulled Apple Juice.
• Allow the Mulled Apple Juice to cool down before storing it in clean & dry glass bottles.
• I have not added any preservatives in this Mulled Apple Juice.  So it can be stored for about 7-10 days.
• Keep it refrigerated.

NOTES:

• Can add spices like cloves, star anise etc., along with the listed spices.
• This Mulled Apple Juice comes out to be a bit strong.  Dilute it with water to suit your preference.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar & spices to suit your preference.
• Can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, too.  I have used light brown sugar in this recipe. 
• The collected apple mush can easily be turned into apple sauce by puréeing and adding a smidgen of sugar & cinnamon to taste.   No wastages, whatsoever.
• Keep in mind that, this mulled apple juice doesn’t have any preservatives, so be sure to keep it refrigerated and to use it within a week! 

Piña Colada

    I am a big fan of  Piña Colada, whatsoever Pineapple & Coconut always has a special place in my taste buds.  But it is not my forte when it is a Cocktail, what I love is its non-alcoholic counterpart Virgin Piña Colada. When my husband got a bottle of Malibu, a coconut flavoured liqueur which is literally a flavoured Rum, I was eager enough to mix up a Cocktail out if. A simple Cocktail with Pineapple Juice, Malibu and Coconut Cream. This is a simple 3-ingredient Piña Colada, a Cocktail which can be fixed within in no time.  Quick and easy to make, no added sweeteners, and it’s as refreshing and delicious as ever. 

    Piña Colada - A simple Cocktail recipe, creamy, refreshing with a punch of Coconut Liqueur in it. Traditional recipes call for adding Rum in it & I have added Coconut flavoured Rum, Malibu for the punch. It's a sip of paradise in every glass which will surely help you dream yourself sitting under a shady palm tree on a beach, relaxing to the monotonous sound of the waves. An absolute sneak-in for a party -  Pina Colada a wonderful Cocktail, so rich and tasty.

     This  Piña Colada is one of the easiest drink you can ever make.  It’s literally few chunks of Pineapple and cream of Coconut (Coconut Milk) & a dash of Malibu, distinct and uniquely flavoured ingredients when combined together that they complement with each other so perfectly. Throw the ingredients into a blender along with few ice cubes, blend it up into a smooth, rich and creamy drink. Piña Coladas can be made either blended or shaken with ice.  Both are delicious, but I prefer the slushier blended version.  The traditional Piña Colada is garnished with either a Pineapple Wedge, a Maraschino Cherry, or both. Follow your whims and fancy to garnish your Piña Colada, add a small paper umbrella to make it look fancier.

      Piña Colada is a Spanish word which means "Strained Pineapple". It was created in Puerto Rico in the 1950s.  It has actually been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978!  The Traditional Piña Colada Cocktail is made with Rum, Cream of Coconut, and freshly strained Pineapple Juice. Rum gives a distinct taste and flavour to the drink.  But if you are for a non-alcoholic version then you can simply skip the Rum & convert it into Virgin Piña Colada, a simple Mocktail recipe.  This is for the ones who want to skip the booze.
    

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Recipe Type - Cocktail
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 15 - 20 Minutes.


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HOW TO MAKE PINA COLADA - COCKTAIL RECIPE

 

Piña Colada

INGREDIENTS:

For Pineapple Juice: 

For  Piña Colada:

To Garnish:

To Decorate:

METHOD:

For Pineapple Juice: 

• Add few chunks of Fresh Pineapple along with Sugar and Water in a blender.
• Blend the ingredients until well combined.
• Strain the Pineapple Juice and keep it aside.

For Piña Colada:

• Pour the Coconut Rum(Malibu), Pineapple Juice, Cream of Coconut along with ice cubes into a blender.
• Blend the ingredients until smooth, creamy and well combined.
• Pour the Piña Colada into serving glasses.
• Garnish the Piña Colada with a Pineapple Wedge and top the drink with a Maraschino Cherry. 
• Served chilled, immediately.

Piña Colada

 

NOTES:

• Grinding the ice cubes with the Rum, Pineapple juice and Cream of Coconut yields a perfectly chilled and thick Piña Colada.
• Can substitute Sugar with Honey.
• Adjust the amount of Sugar/Honey to suit your taste preference.
• Can substitute Cream of Coconut with fresh home-made thick Coconut Milk.