No added sugar but plenty of spice - festive cocktails the sugar free, Simply Nectar way

I suddenly realised today that there just under five weeks left until Christmas.  This is quite a scary thought considering I have not even started thinking about buying presents etc.  Having said this, I have given certain elements of the Christmas period some serious thought.  Those elements are mainly focused around partying and all that is needed to do this well. 

First on my list was cocktails.  Oh yes, those pretty and deliciously fruity mixtures are a must have at every celebration but more often than not they are a disappointment - especially when you spend a fortune on them in swanky bars.  Despite their flashy appearance and overwhelming price tag, the drinks turn out to be a sugar filled, sickly sweet mess topped with an umbrella and, if you're lucky, a Maraschino cherry.

We have therefore designed our very own cocktails using none other than juicy, sugar free Simply Nectar.  The cocktails are easy and inexpensive to make and can suit every party going.  Also, with the festive season almost upon us, I am aware that more and more cocktails will be launched throughout bars across the country, leaving a trail of sugary concoctions in their wake.  We are therefore attempting to save all you cocktail lovers the displeasure of tucking into yet another sugary monstrosity.  We therefore propose that you make these great Simply Nectar cocktails.  They are perfect for Christmas parties and even the New Year detox. Why?  Because Simply Nectar is high in vitamins and free from all pesticides, preservatives, GMOs and refined sugars of course.  But then you probably know that already don't you?!



Our very own Raspberry Bubbles cocktail


To make these lovely drinks we have teamed up with Vintage Roots, the organic wine specialists, and What On Earth, an award winning organic food company.  Vintage Roots has suggested their favourite organic wines and champagnes for the drinks.  All are available from www.vintageroots.co.uk. 

Winter Sunrise

- 100 ml Cava Petit Albet

- 30 ml Orange Simply Nectar

- either A handful of What On Earth Organic Raspberries, blended

- or 20 ml Raspberry Simply Nectar

Fill chilled flute with blended raspberries or Raspberry Simply Nectar and add Orange Simply Nectar. Stir gently and top with Cava.

Raspberry Bubbles

- 50 ml Raspberry Simply Nectar

- 100 ml Serge Faust Champagne

- 2-4 raspberries from a What On Earth Organic Frozen Raspberry Pouch

Place frozen raspberries at the bottom of a chilled flute.  Add the Raspberry Simply Nectar and fill with Champagne.

Icy Delight
- 40ml Peach Simply Nectar
- 10ml  Citron Presse Simply Nectar
- 100ml Prosecco Giol

- Crushed ice

Fill a chilled flute with Citron Presse Simply Nectar followed by the Peach Simply Nectar.  Add Prosecco and top with crushed ice

Just Peachy Bellini

- 50 ml Peach Simply Nectar

- 100 ml Prosecco Bosco del Merlo

Fill a chilled flute with Peach Simply Nectar and gently add the Prosecco.  Stir gently

Our Just Peachy Bellini

Festive Flirt

- 100 ml Serge Faust Champagne

- 25 ml Organic Vodka (various types available through Vintage Roots)

- 25 ml What On Earth Organic Pineapple Chunks, blended

Fill flute with blended organic pineapple followed by the organic vodka and stir gently.  Top with Champagne.

What a Lovely Pear
- 100ml Cava Petit Albet
- 50ml Pear Simply Nectar
- 1 lime cut into wedges

Fill a chilled flute with Pear Simply Nectar and top with champagne.  Squeeze and drop in one wedge of lime.

If you want to make any of these virgin cocktails - take out the alcohol, simple :)

We hope you manage to try making some of these suggestions.  In fact, we insist you do.  Also, send in photos of your very own homemade cocktails (and those funny party pics of course) so we can see exactly how much you love them.

Simply cocktails.

Simply Nectar

11/11/11 - Our One Day On Earth

This morning, during the 11th hour on 11/11/11, we made a piece of history.  We joined in a human massage chain for One Day On Earth.  The human massage chain took place in St Martin’s Court in Covent Garden and was done in conjunction with Melvita, a certified organic (EcoCert) skincare brand.  Melvita is made in the south of France, a bit like Simply Nectar, so that’s why we thought we would join them in the inspirational and unforgettable event that took place this morning.  Also, the brand is very ethical – just like us.  Another tick in the box!   Read up on Melvita here: http://uk.melvita.com/

One Day On Earth is a global media creation that documents what is happening around the world on 11/11/11.  People from across the globe recorded what occurred on this day and all the clips/photographs etc will be put together to create a share archive and film.  You can read more about here: http://www.onedayonearth.org/

The human massage chain in full flow

Simply Nectar drinks were haned out in the goody bags at this morning’s event, plus we also took part in the human massage chain.  This was a delight because the massage on my shoulders was great, although my arms were aching because the girl in front of me was a lot taller!  Plus, my massage skills aren’t great so I doubt the poor girl in front of me enjoyed it overly much.  Despite that, it was a fun experience.  We managed to participate in the minute’s silence at 11am and then join history by documenting the human massage chain for One Day On Earth.  It was certainly one way to enjoy 11/11/11.

Goody bags at the ready

Did anybody else do anything memorable at all?  It would be great to hear about it so please let us know.

Simply massages.

Simply Nectar

Logistics Manager wanted at What On Earth / Simply Nectar

As we're rather close friends with the guys at What On Earth we wanted to do them a favour...we're posting a job advertisement for them.  We're nice like that, see.  Also, to be honest, the new team member What On Earth is looking for will actually be working with Simply Nectar as well, so we are being a weeny bit selfish ;)

Do you want to join the friendly team here at What On Earth / Simply Nectar?  Do you fancy getting involved in our fun and working in the food /drinks industry?  Well, now you can.  Why?  Because we have a job vacancy and it could be perfect for you.

What On Earth is a fun-loving organic food manufacturer and supplier and we are currently seeking a confident and experienced Logistics Manager to come and work with us.  We have two sites – one in London and one in Somerset – but this role will be based in London.  You will also work with Simply Nectar – a range of award winning sugar free fruit juices and nectars.

About the role:

We are looking for someone with plenty of experience driving in London and an excellent grasp of the highway code. The role involves:

• Overseeing the supply chain cycle and organising deliveries
• Overseeing stock takes, stock checks and internal stock audit
• Line managing 11 members of staff across a double shift operation

You will be in charge of:

• Monitoring and maintaining all logistics related KPIs
• Creating and monitoring department staff rotas; task lists; logs
• Department training and setting of benchmarks and standards for staff
• Departmental cost management
• Departmental waste management
• Management of Sage stock aspect

The role attracts a salary of £23K annually, negotiable after completing a three month probation period. It is offered on a full-time basis (40 hours a week) with two days off a week.

To be considered for this role ideally you will have a track record of working within leading warehouse operations. Other essential qualifications & knowledge we are looking for include:

• UK/EU driver’s licence and have the right to work in the UK
• Have at least 12 months experience as logistics supervisor or similar or suitable experience
• Forklift licence – essential
• Experience in Sage50 will be an advantage
• Good leadership and problem solving skills  

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and covering letter to the HR Administrator, Marta, on marta@whatonearth.co.uk.  Closing date is 25 November 2011.

What on Earth is an equal opportunity employer and applications are welcomed from everyone (as long as you hold the minimum experience/requirements).

This is where we have to apologise…. basically, due to the high volume of interest generated, we cannot reply to every application.  If you have not heard from us within two weeks please consider your application as unsuccessful – SORRY!

Oh also – we do not deal with agencies so if you are from an agency, please do not contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you job seekers.

Thanks,

What On Earth and Simply Nectar