HOT drinks don’t have to mean cosy, safe favourites like hot chocolate – instead serve a potent cocktail with a peppery kick to banish those chills.

There are tempting drinks in Pepper, a new book by an expert on the spice, Christine McFadden (Absolute Press, £25).

One of the recipes she includes, along with those for a variety of foods, is Bloody Paradise – a twist on a traditional Bloody Mary.

She says: “This is a truly delicious cocktail, guaranteed to impress. Balsamic vinegar turns the tomato juice a deep garnet red – a dramatic contrast to the potent white grains of paradise.”

To make the drink for one to two people blend together: celery salt, 1/4tsp or to taste; grains of paradise 1/2tsp, coarsely ground, plus more to garnish (see below for stockists); tomato juice (best quality) 225ml/8fl oz; juice of one lime; 1tbsp balsamic vinegar; 3tbsp vodka (best quality); ice cubes; add 1-2 basil or mint leaves to garnish.

Grains of paradise is part of the ginger family and the flavour’s a mix of ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and cardamom. Sources include: Bart Spices, Bristol – 01179 977 3474, www.bartspices.com ; The Spice Shop, London – 020 722 4448, www.thespiceshop.co.uk ; Steenbergs Organic Pepper and Spice, Yorkshire – 01423 326563, www.steenbergs.co.uk

If you need an excuse to party, Chinese New Year began last night and lasts 15 days to launch The Year of the Rat.

During the celebration, food plays a large role and many dishes consumed during this time have symbolic meanings for the New Year.

Noodles represent longevity, a fish served whole represents prosperity, eggs represent fertility and lotus seed represents fertility for male offspring. Egg rolls represent wealth, peanuts longevity, tangerines good luck and oranges wealth.

Ensure what you drink is authentic. The brewers of Harbin beer say it is China’s oldest. This medium-bodied premium lager is brewed with Chinese and European hops, old-world style yeast and select grains.