DRINKS CABINET Classic cocktails

Say 'cheers' to the holidays with four special recipes from our drinks expert Miriam Nice

- Miriam Nice

With so many new and exciting cocktails and mixed drinks launching during the year, it’s easy to forget about the classic ones that we all love. But, Christmas is the perfect time to revisit old favourites – with just one sip, they will make you realise why the recipes have stood the test of time. Mix these up for your next festive gathering or simply wind down with a glass aftera day of Christmas shopping.

Dry martini

This is a great example of how ice is an ingredient in its own right. Take time stirring and tasting the drink until it’s diluted to your liking.

Rum old-fashioned

Try using rum in place of whisky in an old fashioned for a slight twist on the traditional drink.

SERVES 1 PREP 10 mins EASY V

50ml dry gin 1 tsp dry vermouth ice

1 Put a martini glass in the fridge to chill for 10 mins. Pour the gin and vermouth into a mixing glass or jug filled with ice cubes. Stir with a mixing spoon until the outside of the glass is very cold, then taste to check the dilution. If needed, continue to stir until the martini is diluted and chilled to your liking.

2 Strain the martini into the chilled glass and serve.

GOOD TO KNOW vegan • gluten free

PER SERVING 138 kcals • fat none • saturates none • carbs 0.1g • sugars 0.1g • fibre none • protein none • salt none

Rum old-fashioned