Along with good food, many people enjoy a bit to drink as well. Here are some words that you might use in connection with beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – and a bonus recipe at the end, to give you some holiday cheer!

infuse (ihn-FYOOZ) verb
Definition: To soak or steep something, often in a liquid, so that one thing takes on the flavors and aromas of the other. Tea is a common infusion; the hot water extracts the flavor compounds and colors from the dried leaves.
Example: Put a whole vanilla bean in a container of sugar for a few days, and the sugar will become infused with the rich scent of the spice.

macerate (MAS-uh-rayt) noun
Definition: This related word refers primarily to soaking fruit in alcohol (often rum or brandy) to infuse it with the flavor of the alcohol, though the fruit does add flavor to the soaking liquid as well and can also be used.
Example: Add an extra kick to sangria by macerating the sliced fruit in brandy before adding it to the red wine.

oenophile (EE-nuh-file) noun (also spelled “enophile”)
Definition: A person who loves good wine, and who has devoted time to learning about it and appreciating its variety and complexity. The word comes from the Greek roots oinos (“wine”) and philos (“love”).
Example: I usually take a bottle of wine as a gift to dinner parties, but Helen’s such an oenophile I’m afraid she won’t like my selection, so I’ll take some good chocolates instead.

tannin (TAN-ihn) noun
Definition: A somewhat bitter or sharp-tasting compound found in tea leaves and in the seeds, skin, and stems of grapes, and therefore present in infusions of tea leaves, and in wine (particularly red wine).
Example: The tannins in this young Cabernet make the wine harsh now, but after forty years of aging in the wine cellar, it will be rich and smooth.

Happy holidays!

Spiced Apple Cider

1 gallon/3.75 litres fresh-pressed nonalcoholic apple cider
1 large orange, cut into quarters, peel and all
12 whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon
1 knob fresh ginger, cut into coin-sized slices
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Stick 3 cloves in each orange quarter. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepot and heat until almost boiling, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes.

Adults only: Add some extra “punch” by adding a splash of brandy in your glass before pouring in the cider. Try a fruit brandy for added flavor.