Some recipes from a favourite cook
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/...christmas-cake
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/...christmas-cake
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/...mincemeat-cake
I will add more brandy or other alcohol beverage if needed for soaking. The fruit needs to be nice and plump (and is whatever is in the cupboard), and sometimes I will have to leave it longer than the time specified, if something else needs my attention. I use whatever I have in the cupboard: whiskey/ sloe gin/ rum/brandy, or a mix of all. I will mix the nuts up too e.g. more almonds/hazelnuts/brazil nuts to make up the quantity specified.
The alcohol and sugar helps to maintain the long life of the cake; the fruit can be soaked in black tea or juice too, but I don't think the cake will keep as long.