This is my last column for 2009 and I wanted to end it with drinks. Last year, you might recall, we ended the year with the traditionals: eggnog, sorrel and mulled wine. This year there are requests from readers who will be hosting guests tonight for New Year's Eve to share with them different yet modern libations. They also want drinks that are straightforward with no bartending tricks and fads to contend with. Home entertainment seems to be the order of the day and the following drinks are guaranteed crowd pleasers.

I feel obligated, without being preachy, to advise readers to drink a glass of water in-between drinks and not to drink on an empty stomach. Soup works well, so stir up a big pot and have it available throughout the evening. Tea and coffee work too, to lessen the effects of intoxication. If you know you cannot handle alcohol, please abstain.

That out of the way, here's what a good host will need:

Stemware and glassware. A good estimate for purchasing your drinks is to assume that most people will have three or four throughout the evening as well as water. The usual suspects -- rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, wine and beer -- should be available but if you can't afford them, ask everyone to bring a bottle and just provide the essentials. You will need lots of ice and napkins. Other basics that you to have are garnishes such as slices of lime and lemon (which is in season; I have been using them a lot over the past month since I am obsessed with them), cocktail straws, and of course loads of mixers in the form of assorted sodas and juices, which are also great for teetotallers...it's important not to leave them out! I have provided substitute ideas for two of the drinks to turn them into non-alcoholic delights.

Apple Vodka Cocktail 

Apples and vodka always go hand in hand. If you don't have apple juice, I would suggest you try an apple-flavoured vodka. There are a couple of good quality ones on the market. If you want a change from your usual vodka and tonic, this is quite a refreshing choice.

Ingredients:

1 oz vodka

1 oz apple juice

1 1/2 oz sour apple liqueur

Splash of soda water

Squeeze of lime juice

Apple wedges, garnish

Method:

In a tumbler, measure out the vodka, apple juice and sour apple liqueur.

Top with a splash of soda water and a squeeze of lime.

Fill with ice and garnish with apple wedges.

White Sangria 

Sangria is a popular Spanish beverage, which is always a hit. Instead of serving the original red, try the lighter white version, which is also very delicious. Make this drink non-alcoholic by substituting the wine with white cranberry juice.

Ingredients:

1 750ml bottle of white wine

200g white sugar

1 lemon or lime, sliced and seeds removed

1 orange, sliced with seeds removed

1 can of peaches, drained and cut into pieces

1/2 litre of ginger ale

Method:

In a large jug add sugar and citrus slices, give a squeeze to release some of the juice, and the peaches.

Pour in the wine and give a good stir for the sugar to dissolve and chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.

When ready to serve top with ginger ale and plenty of ice and serve immediately.

Poinsettia Cocktail 

This elegant cocktail is named after the seasonal plant that's synonymous with this time of year. This is perfect for ringing in the New Year with your special friends and family. Make this non-alcoholic by using sparkling grape juice and omitting the triple sec.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of chilled Champagne (or sparkling wine for a cheaper alternative)

1 bottle of cranberry juice

Triple sec

Cranberries or raspberries for garnish

Method:

In Champagne glasses pour out one measure of cranberry juice and one measure of triple sec.

Top up with Champagne.

Drop a cranberry or raspberry in the glass as a simple yet elegant garnish.

Home-made Hummus and Pita Chips

Hummus, which is Lebanese in origin, is an internationally popular dip with drinks. Add it to your nuts and olives for a perfect party snack. Tahini is a sesame-based condiment which gives it an authentic taste. If you do not have access to it, do not worry as you can still make a delicious chickpea dip without it. Serve with home-made pita chips.

Ingredients:

2 cans chickpeas

3 cloves of garlic, minced

4 tbs Tahini

100ml extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4tsp paprika

1/4tsp cumin plus a sprinkling for garnish

2 lemons, juiced, seeds removed

2 tbs parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

Pita Chips

Ingredients:

1 bag of Pita bread

Olive oil

Salt

Paprika

Method:

Preheat oven to 400ûF.

Split open pita bread loaves and brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and paprika.

Cut into wedges, place on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes or more until crispy.

In a food processor or blender, add all of the other ingredients and purée.

Spoon out into a bowl and top a dash of cumin and a sprinkling of parsley.

Serve with pita chips.

Bon Appétit

A warm thanks to my sponsors MegaMart who make this column possible.

Contact me at info@juicychef.com

Please do not drink and drive... Cheers and have a Happy New Year filled with many blessings!

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