Mulled no-wine

Ingredients

24 whole cloves

1 teaspoon of mixed spice

5 cups diluted Blackcurrant juice or squash

1 teaspoon of powdered ginger or one inch of fresh ginger thinly sliced

1 medium orange washed, whole and un-peeled

2 teaspoons of powdered cinnamon or 4 inches of cinnamon sticks

Method

Mix the blackcurrant with water until it is less sweet than you prefer. Pour into a pot and bring the liquid to a boil and then turn it down so is simmering. Take the orange and pierce the skin with the cloves until it is nearly covered with cloves. Place into the pot with the cinnamon, ginger and mixed spice. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the cloves and spices have flavoured the liquid. Taste the liquid and adjust the spices to your taste and simmer for 10 minutes longer. Turn off the fire and let it cool until just warm.

Sieve and serve in a heatproof glass or cup with a few slices of orange for decoration.

Notes

Remember that the liquid will become sweeter as the liquid reduces so make sure you begin with a diluted flavour. Any left over liquid can be used to flavour jelly or make ice cubes for fruit punch these will be especially attractive if you add fruit cocktail to them before freezing.