Jingle Juice

December doesn’t even need an excuse. Everyone is relieved the year is coming to an end, and festivities are in full swing. Seasonal favorites start making an appearance, such as rich creamy hot chocolate, with or sans alcohol, Christmas martinis, mulled wines, eggnog (not my cup of tea) and lots of champagne.

Come December 1, my favorite Christmas cookbook, Nigella Christmas is my go to for all things Christmas, and for a nostalgic nice read, Nigel Slater’s, Christmas Chronicles, part memoir, part recipe book, takes you on a winter journey leading up to Christmas and after the New Year. Slater’s winter memories spanning his childhood to adult life is illustrious and decadent, a must read diary of memories and excellent recipes for the winter season.

Nigella Christmas features a full section on cocktails with personal favorites being Espresso martini, mulled wine and hot schnocolate

Christmas brunch calls for Mimosas, whilst December cocktail hour calls for Candy Cane Martinis, and lots of cheer.

Buying someone a nice bottle of wine, look no further to Penfolds’, Chardonnay and Shiraz that come wrapped in a festive foil, unsure if it was deliberately designed for the holidays, but definitely ticks the box for ideal gifts this Christmas. Enjoy the Chardonnay straight away, as its peak window is now, whilst the Shiraz can be enjoyed straight away but can also improve with time, peak window being now – 2029.

Happy Holidays xxx