I made the most enormous Shepherd’s Pie this week and it’s been amazing comfort-food during this chilly week. I topped it with a potato and cauliflower mash which is a great way to sneak an extra vegetable in, and just popped frozen veggies into the ground beef to pad it all out.

I do try and use grass-fed ground beef so I’m always looking for ways to stretch it and make everything more economical.

Although I don’t usually drink, yesterday I thought that a lovely red wine would be the perfect accompaniment.

I poured myself a glass and although it was delicious, I was not thanking myself for it this morning.

It’s very annoying, but I think wine and I are coming to the end of our relationship. I just never feel good the next day, even after just a little.

I do miss having a special drink, but recently we put together some a list of non-alcoholic cocktails for our kick-start; these have been perfect for when I want something more fancy than sparkling water.

The Flu Fighter takes a little effort to make but is so worth it. If you want to taste it before you go to the trouble, pop down to Harry’s and they will make one for you!

You could also try The Virgin Hugo Spritz at The Cloud and both restaurants have a great selection of non-alcoholic wines too.

The Mahala and Tonic is something I do on repeat at home. It’s so easy — and if I want to cut the sugar even further, I just use a Spindrift instead of tonic.

However, if you are looking for a gin and tonic replacement, don’t skip the tonic just yet.

Have fun experimenting with these over the weekend and enjoy being hangover free!

Flu Fighter

Mixed by Gordon, available at Harry’s! The perfect pick-me-up during flu season and it’s delicious too. Here’s how to make it yourself! You can also try it warm so that it’s extra soothing.

Ingredients:

3 oz Pineapple Juice

3 oz Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Maple Ginger Syrup*

0.75 oz Ginger juice (e.g. The Ginger People)

Generous Pinch of Red Chili Flakes

Generous Pinch of Cinnamon Powder

Generous Dash of Chipotle Powder

Generous Dash of Cayanne Pepper

Fresh orange slice

Method:

*make this ahead of time by pouring ¼ cup maple syrup into a small glass mason jar. Add a few slices of fresh ginger and let it infuse!

1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake.

2. Double strain and pour into your prepared glass with fresh ice.

3. Garnish with a fresh orange slice

Virgin Hugo Spritz

This one is available at The Cloud if you’d like to give it a try before mixing it yourself.

Ingredients:

1oz elderflower syrup

0.5oz fresh lime juice

6 fresh mint leaves

Top with soda water

Method:

In the bottom of a shaker, muddle the elderflower syrup and mint leaves.

Add the fresh lime juice and a big handful of ice. Shake, shake.

Strain into a glass over fresh ice and top up with soda water.

Mahala & Tonic

Mahala is a non-alcoholic spirit, quietly taking the alcohol-free world by storm (available in Miles.) For those who love a G&T, this provides a delicious alternative. So much distinctive flavour! This would also work well with Seedlip, available widely.

Ingredients:

1.5oz Mahala Botanical

150ml Fever Tree Tonic, Light

Lemon zest

Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)

Method:

1. Find a gorgeous glass and pack half way with ice.

2. Pour your Mahala over the ice and top up with the tonic.

3. Garnish with a little lemon zest and a sprig of rosemary.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the Managing Director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in Britain. Please note that she is not a Registered Dietitian. For details, please go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermud