Mai Tai
Mai Tai Pronounce it: my-ty This cocktail was almost certainly created by Victor Bergeron, the man behind Trader Vic’s restaurants and is thus supposedly of Polynesian descent, except that rum is originally from the Caribbean…
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Mangetout
Mangetout Pronounce it: monj-too The French name tells you all; it means ‘eat it all’. Mangetout properly means a type of garden pea picked very young, so young that the pod is still flat and…
Mulled wine
Mulled wine Pronounce it: mulld w-eye-n Like ice-cold Spanish sangria, warm mulled wine is essentially red wine that is slightly sweetened, flavoured with citrus, lightly spiced and, usually, finished with a spirit or liqueur. However, mulled wine…
Maple syrup
Maple syrup Pronounce it: may-pul sir-rup The rising spring sap of a number of varieties of maple tree native to northeast America, mainly in Canada but also in such US states as Vermont. The syrup…
Maca
Maca Pronounce it: makka A root native to Peru, maca grows in a variety of colours and each is said to offer different health benefits. It is available dried in individual types or mixed together…
Mustard
Mustard Pronounce it: muss-tard A condiment made by mixing the ground seeds of the mustard plant with a combination of ingredients usually including water, vinegar and flour. There are three varieties of mustard plant: black,…
Mint
Mint Pronounce it: mi-nt There are several types of mint, each with its own subtle difference in flavour and appearance. The most popular type is spearmint, with its pointed, serrated leaves and a familiar refreshing…
Muscat
Muscat Pronounce it: muss-cat The ‘grapey’ wine Muscat has a long history. The islanders of Samos in Greece are part of that history and still make sweet and fortified wines much as they did centuries…
Margarita
Margarita Pronounce it: mah-gah-ree-tah This is the more civilised way to drink tequila than gulp it from a salt-rimmed glass, then suck on a lemon wedge while your eyes water and your brain complains. Availability A…
Mojito
Mojito Pronounce it: maw-hee-taw From nowhere to everywhere, the mojito is currently ruling the roost in pubs, bars and clubs. Perhaps this is because it is long, clear, bubbly and clean tasting and because the…