BRATTLEBORO — Following are some recipes for non-alcoholic drinks.
Cranberry Sparkler
¶1{1/2} ounces blackberry puree
¶2 ounces white cranberry juice
¶2-3 ounces sparkling water
¶1 sprig mint for garnish
Place blackberry puree and cranberry juice in a champagne flute. Add sparkling water to fill. Garnish with fresh mint.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
¶1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¶1 quart milk
¶{1/2} cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)
¶7 peppermint sticks: 3 crushed ({1/4} cup), 4 left whole
¶Pinch of salt
Place cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved.
Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint; simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and peppermint have melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Add salt.
Ladle into mugs; serve each with a peppermint stick.
Hot Mulled Cider
¶2 quarts (8 cups) apple cider
¶4 strips lemon zest
¶2 cinnamon sticks
¶2 whole star anise (optional)
¶1 teaspoon allspice berries
¶1 teaspoon whole cloves
In a large saucepan, bring cider, lemon zest, and spices to a boil; cover, and remove from heat.
Let steep at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Ladle carefully into mugs, leaving most of the solids behind.