Thirsty work (From Halesowen News)

Thirsty work

7:00am Saturday 30th January 2010

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Apres-ski tipples With Blighty a mirror image of a winter-wonderland and freezing temperatures to rival an alpine ski resort, snowflakes and icicles signal apres-ski tipples and piping hot liquid refreshments to help you thaw out.

After a bracing walk, toboggan ride or skating experience on our icy streets, why not come in from the cold and soften the chilly spell with the sweet scent of warming cocktails, some pristine whites and a bottle of hearty red.

For cocktail shakers still on the nursery slopes, try snuggling down in your ski lodge with this excellent rum based, fruity drink that will fire-up the bleakest evening.

:: Off-piste Pixley 30ml Pixley Blackcurrant and Ginger Cordial, 50ml Santa Teresa Gran Reserva Rum, 3 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, hot water.

In a decent sized mug (ideally one that you can get two palms around to heat your mitts!), pour in Pixley Blackcurrant and Ginger Cordial (£3.19, Waitrose), Santa Teresa Gran Reserva Rum (£14.99, 70cl, Waitrose) and top up with just boiled water. Stir in cloves and cinnamon stick.

Ready to advance to the blue run? Thanks to the warming notes of ginger syrup combined with wintery flavours of cranberry and zesty orange, this Winter Cosmo makes an ideal cocktail to serve your friends after a day on the slopes, or trudging through the sleet.

:: Winter Cosmo 50ml Tanqueray gin, 10ml orange liqueur, 10ml raspberry liqueur, 25ml cranberry juice, 10ml ginger syrup, 2 x freshly squeezed lime juice, orange zest.

Pour the Tanqueray (£16.49, 70cl, major supermarkets) and rest of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and add the orange zest. Garnish with an orange spiral.

Or for something more serene, try this vodka-based drink which offers an exceptional taste experience - sip slowly, curled up on the sofa.

:: Winter warmer 30ml Ketel One vodka, 10ml Frangelico (a hazelnut liquor widely available), 10ml sake, 50ml camomile base syrup (make a very strong camomile tea and add 3-4 teaspoons of sugar) Pour the Ketel One (£24.99, 70cl, Majestic), Frangelico and sake into a heat-proof glass or mug and add the camomile to serve warm. Rim with a mix of shortbread.

While it feels as fresh as the French Alps, why not match a light-bodied white wine with classic Savoyard food specialities like cheese fondue, meats, raclette and bread.

Try Simonnet-Febvre's Sauvignon de St Bris 2007 (£8.49, Majestic) from Burgundy with 100% Sauvignon grapes for a silky smooth glass with green, grassy notes and a zest of lemon.

Austria also produces some brilliant food wines to go with apres ski dishes, especially the trendy Gruner Veltliner grape from the Wachau area in the Danube Valley.

Spicy, with hints of tobacco and aromas of freshly picked apples, Domane Wachau The Terraces Gruner Veltliner 2008 Wachau (£7.99, Waitrose) is a medium-bodied dry white that's excellent with light starters.

Or if you want to climb to the top of the mountain, try Berry Bros Gruner Veltliner, Spiegel, Hiedler (£13.25, www.bbr.com) from the prime vines in Kamptal which really expresses what great Austrian wine is all about. With hints of pear and peach and a clean finish, it's a wonderful alternative to 'mainstream' grape varieties.

To wake up the senses and complement heavier, comfort food, try a glass of warming Rioja, especially if you're skiing in the Pyrenees.

If you can't make it to the glaciers, try recreating the ambience at home with a nourishing traditional stew of potatoes with chorizo and a mouth-watering Rioja such as the Marques de la Concordia 2007 (£7.99, Oddbins), a rich red packed with spiced berry fruits and gentle oak notes.

Chalet chic also extends to a glass of St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio 2008 Alto Adige (£9.99, Waitrose). A delicious Pinot Grigio from the foothills of the Italian Alps that's a versatile white with lovely pear and citrus fruit flavours.

A wine to savour on its own, pair with seafood linguine, and help see you through the bleak midwinter.

Best buy :: Inspired by a mythical castle and far-away-land, try Snow Queen Vodka (£16.99, reduced from £19.99, 50cl, Waitrose) for a velvety smooth vodka that hails from the snow-capped mountains of Kazakhstan. Produced from organic wheat and spring water, the five-time distillation process delivers a gentle sweetness. Serve in a shot glass for a warming glow as it trickles down.

Liquid news :: All the taste without the guilt! If your New Year's resolution is to shed a few pounds, wine lovers should get their skates on and head to Tesco where some Californian new releases are grabbing the headlines. With 30% fewer calories and reduced alcohol levels to 8%, their Light Choices Californian Chardonnay clocks up just 96 calories (£1.69 per 187ml bottle or buy 2 for £3) and Californian Merlot, 92 calories (£1.69 per 187ml bottle, or buy 2 for £3). Both easy-drinking wines, the Chardonnay pairs well with a creamy mushroom pasta and the fruity Merlot with roast chicken.

by Sam Wylie-Harris

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