Raise your GLASS

Celebrate the end of 2023 with overflowing drinks and delectable canapés to feed a festive crowd.

Rose water martini with candy floss

SERVES 2 TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES

For the garnish

Lime slices

Candy floss

METHOD

1. In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, gin, rose syrup, lime juice and soda water.

2. Shake well for about 30 seconds.

3. Add ice to two serving glasses and pour over cocktail.

4. Top each glass with lime slices, then add candy floss just before serving as it melts into the drink quite quickly.

Balsamic vinegar, cream cheese and onion tarts 

SERVES 8-10 TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and oil over 2 lined baking trays.

3. Scatter with salt, pepper, garlic and thyme into 4-6 little bundles onto each tray.

4. Arrange onions onto each little bundle.

5. Whisk cream cheese and parsley until smooth. Divide between bundles.

6. Roll out pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 8-12 squares.

7. Place a pastry square over each cream cheese and onion portion and press down gently to secure.

8. Crimp down the pastry edges using the back of a fork.

9. Brush with egg and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

10. Serve on a platter while warm, scattered with fresh herbs and drizzled with honey.

Classic mojito

SERVES 2 TOTAL TIME 15 MINUTES

METHOD

1. Combine salt, sugar and lime zest in a wide bowl.

2. Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of each serving glass, then dip into sugar and salt mixture. Set aside.