FENNEL, GRAPE & MINT REFRESHER
Wine not! This is a great go to recipe for a refreshing alternative to a glass of wine or alcoholic cocktail. The combination of ingredients is not only unusual and delicious but also cooling and calming - the perfect summer tonic.
INGREDIENTS
450g red or black grapes (choose organic with seeds)
150g fennel
15g mint leaves
200 ml water (plus 200ml more or 200ml sparkling to serve)
Juice of 1 lime
10g ginger (peeled)
Large pinch of salt
METHOD
1. Wash the grapes well. Place the grapes, fennel, mint, ginger in a powerful blender. Add 200ml of water, lime juice and salt and roughly blend.
2. Place a fine mesh strainer/sieve over a large jug and pour in the juice mixture. Use the back of a spoon or rolling pin to press through as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
3. Pour the juice into glasses and top with some more water, or sparkling water to give it a touch of effervescence - mix well with a cocktail stirrer or long spoon. Serve with a sprig of mint and slice of lime. Leave the glasses to stand for a couple of minutes to wow your guests with the colours as it separates.
East by West tip: Alternatively if you own a juicer you can juice all the ingredients, but I prefer to keep a bit of texture.