Sweet 'n' Juicy

Whether you're a fizzy drinks person or a pure fruit juice fanatic, there are so many choices, these days!
As teenagers, some of today's middle-aged folk considered a tall glass with a mixture of fizzy cola and vanilla ice-cream in it, the perfect refreshment. Now the very thought makes them shiver with horror! Tastes change. The soft drinks market, mainly colas and lemonade-based drinks is massive, in spite of the fact that there can be few of us left who are unaware of the futility of drinking them. Fruit juices are much more readily available since the advent of the 'tetra pack' carton and with almost every household in the western world sporting a blender/juicer , it is possible to concoct fabulous mixtures at home. Fruits

The Caribbean is famous for its fruit punches and juices and often a little sprinkling of nutmeg is the norm. Coconut water is popular as a mixer and to drink on its own too. Portugal juice, from a fruit reminiscent of the tangerine; orange and grapefruit juices are usually in plentiful supply, alone or in combinations.

If you are keen on mixing fruit punches at home, or on board, (with or without rum in them), you can achieve a delicious result by preparing the following mixture and keeping it in a container:

A PINCH OF MAGIC

Make a 'syrup' by melting sugar in water, letting it boil and then leaving it to cool - the quantities are not wildly important - you should end up with a liquid which looks like water but tastes like sugar.

At any stage during the cooling process, or after it is completed, put a whole vanilla pod in the liquid ( you could use some other form at a pinch but the real thing is best), between one and three cinnamon sticks (the same applies as for the vanilla) and some grated nutmeg, or a small piece intact. Don't overdo the nutmeg as it will overpower the other flavours if you let it. You can always grate a little over the drinks you will be mixing later.

Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature (do not refrigerate to achieve this result) close the container and leave standing for at least a week. The longer the stronger.

Add between a teaspoon and a tablespoonful of the liquid to fruit punches. Mmm, delicious!

When a little more than a third has gone, you can top the container up with more 'syrup'. There's no need to add more spices. Go on topping up every so often until you detect a lessening of flavour and then use up what is left, discard, or use the spices in cooking and start again.

A jar of 'The Pinch of Magic' can last great lengths of time. Or not, depending on how many people start dropping by for one of your punches with the 'secret' ingredient.

You can also liven up a fruit salad with a couple of tablespoons or add some to any number of desserts which would benefit from a touch of spice.

Do you have a favourite soft drink or soft drink additive? Why not share it with us?!

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A PINCH OF MAGIC