Tag Archives: drink

Mulled Tea

The calendar says it is already December. Can’t believe. I was planning to post the recipe of one tasty pumpkin cake when realized that autumn is over and winter is here. Even though it’s not freezing cold right now in Dubai and you can’t find the real snow but there are lots of Christmas markets, festive decorations and lights, gingerbread houses, cookies and smell of cinnamon and oranges around – it all makes this season a very special time. Moreover, the weather is absolutely amazing and you can visit tree lighting ceremonies, enjoy mince pies and even mulled wine in some places, or maybe go ice-skating or skiing, and you are in the right festive mood.

For whatever reason but not everyone can enjoy mulled wine, and that not a big deal if you prepare this hot tea. Star anise and cinnamon in this warming tea makes it very aromatic, plus fresh ginger adds a little spicy note. Moreover, not only adults can enjoy a cup of this mulled tea. It requires almost no effort and festive drink is served, pour hot tea in beautiful glasses and garnish with apple slice or mandarin peel, and sip, sip, sip…

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Kisel – Russian sweet drink

Kisel – is a well-known and popular sweet drink in Russia. This healthy drink contains berries or fruits, also sugar and water, and thickened with a potato starch. Kisel can be served cold or hot, sometimes it’s poured over ‘cottage cheese bake’ or ‘syrniki’. The kisel thickness can vary depending on how much potato starch is used; the thickest version does look like a mousse or jelly and can be eaten with a spoon, however the thin kisel is the most common version in Russia and usually consumed as a drink.

Kisel is generally made with fresh berries or fruits (red currants, cherries, cranberries, apples – are most common flavors which are widely available in Russia), but during the winter sweet jams or frozen berries are used to make it. The very first Russian kisels were thick and made with oat, wheat, rye or pea flours, and it dates back over one thousand years.

Nowadays there are lots of instant kisel mixes, which you can find at Russian stores, but I do assure you that to make you own kisel is very easy and definitely better and tastier. I made mine with fresh red currants; you can use any fresh or frozen berries. Enjoy!

Kisel - Russian sweet drink

Servings: 6-8
Time: 20mins
Difficulty: easy
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To make thick kisel add more starch.

Ingredients

200-300g fresh red currants, rinsed

5-7 tbsp sugar (or more, depends on your taste)

2l water

3 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)

Method

Keep aside some red currats. Strain the rest through a sieve into a saucepan. Add water, sugar and bring to boil. Reduce the heat, taste and adjust the sweetness.
In a small cup, mix starch with few tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the saucepan along with red currants that you’ve kept. Give it a good stir and turn off the heat.
Pour in a glasses or cups. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Refreshing Sangria

July 12, 2014
milkandbun
38 comments
blog, Blogging, cocktail, drink, food and recipes, food photography, food styling, fruits, photo, photography, recipe, recipes, red wine, Sangria, Spanish, summer drink

If you have such a hot summer as I do here (around 45C), you need a good refreshing cocktail to cool you off on a weekend.

What about Sangria? It is a type of punch from Spain and Portugal, which is served during summer and in some parts of the countries year-round. 😀 Sangria is made from wine, fresh chopped fruit and sweetener, with an occasional addition of brandy (or vodka, rum, soda may be added). Sangria is named after the word ‘bleeding’ for its bold red color. Now it’s very popular party drink around the world.

I’m bringing this pitcher, full of nicely spiced Sangria to Angie@Thenovicegardener party! The recipe is easy to multiply for crowds. Yahoo! A little party never killed nobody! 😀

Refreshing Sangria

Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: easy
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A classic sangria of red wine and fresh fruits that’s easy to make ahead of time for outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients:

1-750ml bottle red wine, Rioja/Cabernet Sauvignon/Burgundy

200ml brandy

400-500ml freshly squeezed orange juice

120ml/1/2 cup water

90g/1/2 cup sugar

1 large cinnamon stick

1 star anise

1 large orange

1 lemon

2 large apples

150g/1 1/2 cups seedless dark grapes

Ice cubes, for serving

Lemon or orange wheels, for garnish

500-700ml orange juice or sparkling water, for serving, optionally

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, mix water, sugar and spices. Bring to boil and simmer the syrup over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Cool completely. Such syrup is called simple syrup.
Cut orange, lemon and apples into wedges; cut some grapes into halves.
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, juice and simple syrup. Add all of the fruit and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and all the flavours are melded, about 2-3 hours, or better overnight.
When sangria is ready, add some ice into the pitcher and stir to combine.
Serve over ice in a cocktail or wine glass; garnish with some of the soaked fruit and orange wheels. You can top with the desired amount of orange juice or sparkling water, if using.

ENJOY! ❤