Our trip to NYC last week for the ENK Accessorie Circuit show caused us to miss the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta in our hometown of Santa Barbara, CA. Fiesta has occurred every August in Santa Barbara for the last 87 years and promotes the education and celebration of the local history, customs, and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara.  This historical annual parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the country and brings out the finest in traditional dress for the celebration.  It also is a grand cause for eating delicious traditional food and drink (tacos, corn on the cob and tamales at Our Lady of Guadalupe), late nights out on the town, wearing beautiful, traditionally inspired outfits, quite a bit of traffic around town and lots of fun! Viva la fiesta!

Fiesta Dancers, Photo by CodyDuncan.com

Historical Equestrian Parade, Photo by CodyDuncan.com

Gorgeous Horse Bridles Ready for Parade, Photo from SBEquineConnect.com

Young Woman in Her Regalia for Parade, Photo by Noozhawk.com

While the Adesso team missed most of the Fiesta festivities in Santa Barbara, Lil’ Hill and I did find the time to enjoy some delicious white sangria at Pure Food and Wine during our time in NYC.  I have long been a fan of Pure Food’s restaurant and the One Lucky Duck takeaway cafe’ and have prepared items from their cookbook, “Raw Food, Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow.” So, when I returned home, I went through the cookbook to see if there was a recipe for the tasty, refreshing white sangria we had while eating at Pure Food in NYC.  Happily it was in there!  It is the perfect cocktail to enjoy on a hot August day or at the tail end of Fiesta.  Enjoy!

White Sangria (as written in “Raw Food, Real World”)

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

1 bottle dry Sauvignon Blanc

4 cups ice cubes

1 peach, pitted and chopped

1 cup chopped pineapple

1 green apple, cored and chopped

1 orange, sliced, seeds removed & chopped

1 lime, sliced and chopped

2 to 3 tablespoons agave nectar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 to 3 sprigs fresh mint

Directions:

In a large pitcher, add all the ingredients except the mint and stir well.  If not serving right away, keep the sangria chilled in the refrigerator.  Garnish each glass with fresh mint.

Lil' Hill enjoying the delicious white sangria during our dinner at Pure Food and Wine in NYC