I'm hosting a Latin-themed party in a few days' time: an authentic Spanish paella cooked outdoors on the Weber grill, with some tapas appetizers and a flan and to finish. I want to serve pitchers of drinks in the same vein, but one of my guests has recently stopped drinking alcohol, so I shall be offering virgin alternatives too.
Sangria
Half fill a pitcher with ice. Pour in one bottle of Spanish red wine, a glass of brandy and a glass of club soda. Add slices of orange, apple, lime and lemon. To serve, pour into wine glasses, adding a helping of ice and sliced fruit.
Virgin Sangria
Half fill a large glass jug with ice. Add slices of orange, apple, lime and lemon. Top up the jug with fresh cranberry juice and the juice of an orange, a lemon and a lime, and serve as above. Adding a little club soda to each glass gives a longer, less sweet drink, which I find more refreshing.
Mojito
Half fill a tall glass with ice. Add a measure (2 1/2 fl oz) of white rum, half a lime cut into wedges and 2 tsps sugar. Add a large sprig of mint and the lime wedges, and muddle the glass to release mint and lime oils and juice. Top up with a splash of club soda and decorate with another wedge of lime.
Cuba Alcohol-Libre
Half fill a tall glass with ice. Add a splash of tonic water and the juice of half a lemon and half a lime. Top up with Coca Cola. Decorate with a slice of lime.
