As the festive season approaches, renowned chef and food writer Thomasina Miers has shared two brilliant make-ahead drink recipes designed to dazzle guests and make perfect edible gifts. The pair includes a fiery, non-alcoholic jalapeño fire cider and an aromatic spiced syrup ideal for elevating a classic cocktail.
Spice Up Your Sober Celebrations with Fire Cider
Miers admits that while she enjoys the occasional cocktail, last-minute mixing for a crowd is rarely appealing. Her solution is this versatile fire cider, a tangy, spicy infusion that serves as a superb base for alcohol-free drinks. Prepared by steeping jalapeños, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, honey, garlic, and optional turmeric in apple cider vinegar for at least a week, it creates a complex flavour profile.
Once strained, the liquid keeps for up to three months in the refrigerator. For a refreshing Cranberry Fire Cider Fizz, simply mix 30ml of the fire cider with 75ml of cranberry juice in an ice-filled highball glass, add an orange wedge, and top with sparkling water. It also pairs wonderfully with soda, tonic, or other fruit juices.
Transform Your Negroni with a Spiced Syrup
For those preferring a spirited tipple, Miers' spiced syrup adds a festive twist to a beloved classic. She confesses to a personal preference for swapping gin for mezcal in her negronis, creating a less melancholic, smoky variation. The syrup is simple to make, involving simmering demerara sugar with water, a cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange zest before infusing for 30 minutes.
This syrup can be stored for weeks in the fridge. To craft her Spiced Mezcal Negroni, combine 25ml each of Campari, red vermouth, and mezcal with 10ml of the spiced syrup. Stir over ice, serve in a rocks glass with a large ice cube, and garnish with a flamed orange peel for a dramatic finish.
The Ultimate Festive Hosting Hack
The genius of both recipes lies in their advance preparation. By dedicating a small amount of time upfront, hosts can offer impressive, homemade drinks throughout the holiday period without any last-minute fuss. Whether catering to non-drinkers with the vibrant fire cider or treating cocktail lovers to an aromatic negroni, these creations from Thomasina Miers are sure to add a spark of flavour to any December gathering.
