Fancy a drink? Lucy Corry raises her glass to the week's best buys.

REASONABLE REDS BUCK RECESSION TRENDS

I got home the other night and got a nasty electric shock. Despite using less power than during the last billing period, the amount I owe my obviously penniless electricity company has doubled.

In one foul swoop, all those energy-saving measures seemed to be worthless. The expensive low-watt lightbulbs, turning the appliances off at the wall (despite it playing havoc with the Freeview recorder) and the short showers and less-frequent cups of tea - it'd all been for nothing.

Deep down, I know I shouldn't moan. I have a job (at least, this week I do), a roof over my head and a husband who has curbed credit crunch-unfriendly habits such as going to HMV on his lunch break. We walk everywhere or take public transport, and don't have any expensive toys like children or pets. Things could be worse.

But it's depressing beyond belief to feel like you've given up all you can to stay ahead of the downward financial curve. Winter is on the approach fast and the thought of five months of gloomy weather is enough to make you want to put your head in the oven - even if it would be a waste of costly gas.

Luckily, however, canny retailers are doing their bit to keep some little luxuries within reach.

At Morrisons, for example, Lagunilla Rioja Reserva 2004 - a gutsy Spanish red - will be on special for £5.49 (usually £10.99) between November 3-30.

If you're planning a big bash for Bonfire Night, stock up on a couple of cartons of Banrock Station Ecomate Shiraz. I know the carton might not look very classy, but this soft, medium-bodied wine is pretty good value at just £6.77 for a litre box at Tesco. The tetra pak carton means it's also environmentally friendly - just because we're all going to be broke doesn't mean we should abandon all our principles.

Most reasonable reds seem to hover around the £7 mark. Given the low value of the pound and the rate of inflation, it's probably best to think of £7 being the new fiver.

In any case, Brown Brothers Sangiovese is a good early winter warmer, with a lively cherry colour and spicy aromas. It's £6.99 at Tesco and online at www.everywine.co.uk.

Sainsbury's have a robust Taste The Difference Argentinian Malbec, also £6.99. Argentina has developed quite a reputation for producing big, fruit-driven wine - and this is a fine example. It's not a light quaffer though - that 14.5% ABV packs a pretty solid wallop.

The alcohol content of red wine seems to be going through the roof lately - it might warm you up to start with but it's not a recommended alternative to wearing an extra jumper.

If money's no object, Marks & Spencer have a great Australian shiraz that goes brilliantly with peppery lamb, beef and duck dishes, or good cheese. Marananga Dam 2005 Shiraz is a rich, smooth red with lots of ripe blackcurrant and cherry flavours. Whether you think £9.99 is too much for a bottle of wine in these straitened times is a moot point.

DRINK THIS: It'll be interesting to see who still has money to burn on fireworks and trick or treating during Halloween and Bonfire Night. I suggest finding a good spot in your neighbourhood to watch someone else's firework display. Take a bottle of Petite Cuvee Rouge (£5.99 at Oddbins). It's a perky, fruity number - just the thing to cheer you up.

LIQUID NEWS :: Fancy a spooky beer this Halloween? Get your hands on a bottle of Oxfordshire-brewed Hobgoblin beer to help you ward off evil spirits or cheap lagers. This ruby-coloured, full-bodied beer has dark and mysterious toffee malt flavours, making it just the thing for a haunted night out.

Hobgoblin (5.2% ABV) is available nationwide, RRP £1.70 for a 50cl bottle.

:: It might sound like something that the witches in Macbeth would brew up, but olive leaf tea could be the big new thing for tea drinkers this winter.

This ancient drink - once favoured by the Egyptians for its health-giving properties - apparently helps boost the immune system against cold and flu viruses.

The infusion has a refreshing, subtle flavour (it doesn't taste of olives!) and is made from organic Spanish olive leaves.

Organic tea business Leaf sells 50g bags of organic olive leaves for £2.80, available from www.leafshop.co.uk. Each bag makes around 20 cups.

:: If olive tea is just a tad too scary, even for Halloween, a glass of hot, spicy berry cordial could do the trick. The people at Belvoir Fruit Farms have created a Spiced Winter Berries cordial as an alcohol-free alternative to mulled wine. Mix it with freshly-boiled water to taste, drop in a slice of orange and enjoy, guilt-free. Available from delicatessens, food halls, farm shops and supermarkets nationwide, RRP £3.95.