Rhubarb Mojito's and Rhubarb Syrup

Rhubarb Mojitos

The most delicious, refreshing alternative to a usual Mojito. For this recipe I make my standard Mojito recipe but I replace the sugar with the Rhubarb Syrup instead. The Rhubarb Syrup is so easy to make and is so refreshing when paired with the classic Mojito flavours of Mint and Lime. Try it once and you will be begging for Rhubarb to be back in season!

Serves 1 (easily doubled or can be made into a pitcher)

Small handful of fresh mint leaves (approx. 6 large leaves, or 8-10 small ones)
2 tbsp Rhubarb Syrup (recipe below)
1/2 lime, cut into 3 wedges
1 part white rum (Bacardi)
3 parts soda water
Ice

In a tall glass mix the mint, syrup and 2 wedges of lime together using a muddler, small rolling pin, wooden spoon or any other utensil that allows you to crush everything together so you get as much flavour as possible! Add the rum then fill the glass with ice and top with the soda water. Stir and add the final lime wedge then sit back, sip and enjoy!

Hibiscus Cordial {& Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup}

This recipe is taken from the fantastic book Mexican Food Made Easy by Thomasina Miers. It has the most delicious fruity, berry flavour to it that is sweet but has a tang similar to cranberry juice. Topped up with a little sparkling water, this cordial makes the most refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic drink or for a party it would make a great base to a cocktail, especially when served with a hibiscus flower as a garnish.

Hibiscus Cordial

Raspberry Moscow Mule

I was recently going through some of my old photographs when I found this picture that I took several years ago. Going back even further in time when I used to live in Edinburgh, this cocktail used to be one of my favourite drinks as it was one of the signature cocktails where I used to work. Somehow over the years I forgot about it as the photo was stored away in the archives along with the recipe and memories, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find it and relive some happy times and of course enjoy a taste from the past that I won't be forgetting about again!

Serves 1

45ml vodka

6 fresh raspberries

½ tsp fresh ginger, grated

½ lime

Ginger beer (or if you can't get it, Ginger Ale) to top up

In a blender add the vodka, raspberries, ginger and lime juice and blend until smooth. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker or jar then using a cocktail strainer or small sieve, strain the mix into a cocktail glass and top up with the ginger beer. Cheers!

*For a non-alcoholic version simply omit the vodka for a refreshing and zingy, sparkly drink. 

The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Day 1: Christmas Cocktails

For a while now I have been trying to work out how I would manage to include all of my recipes that I wanted to post in the run-up to Christmas as there are a few (!), so I decided to start my very own 12 Days of Christmas! My version however will run from December 13th and will finish just in time for the big day with the last post on December 24th, Christmas Eve. Each day will feature a new recipe, sometimes a few recipes, but they are all some of my favourite things to have at Christmas time. There is a mix of drinks, starters, desserts and of course a baking recipe or two, one thing you won't find however is a partridge or a pear tree!

So let's get into the Christmas spirit and get the party started with a few ideas to help bring in that festive cheer!