Some Non-Alcoholic Recipes for the Festive Season

23rd December 2012

Christmas Cocktails for the Non-Drinker - From Castlecraig web site.
www.castlecraig.co.uk/blog/12/2011/christmas-cocktails-non-drinker

Some Non-Alcoholic Recipes for the Festive Season

Christmas can be a difficult time of year for non-drinkers and especially for those who have just come out of rehab.

There are not only potentially difficult family reunions and the stress of preparing a meal and buying presents for the big day, but also the fact that alcohol seems to play a huge part in how we celebrate Christmas, especially in the UK.

So we have come up with a few winter mocktails to help the non-drinker through the festive season � just one warning: make sure you make enough because you�ll probably find that everyone else wants some too!

A note to hosts: As with any food or drink, presentation makes all the difference. Prepare non-alcoholic drinks as you would alcoholic drinks � don�t offer a can of coke, instead make the non-drinker feel special by serving the drink in an attractive glass with ice and lemon.

Festive Flavours

Ginger, spices, vanilla... these flavours help create warm sensations to thaw us out from the chilly weather.

Vanilla Eggnog (Serves 6)

There are lots of different ways to make this winter warmer. We have taken one recipe and replaced the alcohol with vanilla and nutmeg/cinnamon for added flavour.

1 litre milk
260 grams sugar
12 large egg yolks
200ml chilled double cream
Whole vanilla pod
Grated nutmeg/cinnamon
In medium saucepan, whisk milk and sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks. Whisking constantly, pour hot mixture into yolks in a slow and steady stream.
Add the vanilla pod.
Return mixture to pan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, 20 to 25 minutes; do not let simmer.
Quickly strain into a bowl. Stir in the cream. Cool completely; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled.
Dust with nutmeg/cinnamon.

For all the recipes check out the Castlecraig web site at
www.castlecraig.co.uk/blog/12/2011/christmas-cocktails-non-drinker