Category:  Drinks

This all-green smoothie is made with fresh nopales (cactus leaves), green apple, parsley and celery. A friend of mine, Frine Espinosa, introduced me to this healthy drink and stated that she reduced her high cholesterol by drinking the Go-Green Cactus Smoothie first thing in the morning. So let’s drink up and stay healthy (right before the holidays) – cheers!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1

Ingredients:
1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh nopales pieces (cactus leaves)
1 small green apple, peeled and cored
4 Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs (stems removed)
1/2 cup fresh celery pieces

Directions:

1. Place above ingredients in a blender.

2. Add 1/2 cup water and ice cubes (to taste).

3. Blend the ingredients until smooth and uniform.

4. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Text and Photograph ©2014 Nancy DeLucia Real

Last April, I stayed in Spain for one month. Although I stayed in many cities, Madrid was impressive. I had the opportunity to visit museums, meet friends and learn about their culture.

In Madrid my favorite local hangout was the district known as “La Latina”. Packed with a zillion people, it was obvious they enjoy each other’s company all night. Although Spaniards stay out with friends and/or family until at least 3 a.m., I observed that they don’t text or surf the web. Thus, they practice the true art of “socializing” – this is something that we Americans need to recapture.

Since the Spanish evenings were warm, I got used to drinking Sangria – the perfect cooler.
I’ve been making this recipe since I returned from Spain. I hope you will enjoy it all summer!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: One pitcher (serves 8)

Ingredients:
1 bottle (750 ml) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or other favorite dry red wine
2 cups club soda
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup Rum
1/4 cup Tequila
3 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar or 100% Agave nectar (light golden)
Ice cubes (to put in each glass before pouring the Sangria)
1 orange, cut into 1/4-inch thick circles
1 lime, cut into 1/4-inch thick circles
1 lemon, cut into 1/4-inch thick circles

Directions:

1. In a large pitcher, pour combine the wine, club soda, orange juice, Rum, Tequila and sugar or Agave nectar.

2. Stir well until sugar is dissolved.

3. Place 3 to 4 ice cubes in each glass.

4. Pour Sangria into each glass.

5. Add a slice each of orange, lime and lemon to each glass. Serve immediately.

Note: Adjust liquor, juice and sugar levels, according to taste.

Text and All Photographs ©2014 Nancy DeLucia Real

This hassle-free and cost-efficient punch requires very few ingredients. Can’t believe your bloody eyes? Neither will your guests. Happy Halloween and stay safe!

Prep time: Less than 5 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients (for kids):
Juice of 4 limes
2 tablespoons sugar
3 cups pomegranate or cranberry juice, chilled
2 liters ginger ale, chilled
2 to 4 drops red food color (optional)
One package plastic Halloween eyeballs

Ingredients (for adults):
Same as above, plus 5 to 6 shots of Vodka (adjust, according to taste)

1. In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice and sugar until sugar is dissolved.

2. Pour the lime juice and sugar mixture into a large punch bowl.

3. Stir in the juice and ginger ale and red food color.

4. For the adult version, add vodka and stir.

5. Decorate punch with plastic eyeballs (they will float) and serve.

Text and Photographs ©2013 Nancy DeLucia Real

Note: The cupcake design was inspired by Wilton Icing Decorations®

At poolside this summer, bring your temperature down with this refreshing melon cooler. Blended in minutes, the drink is laced with that wonderful south-of-the border specialty – Tequila.

While swimming, tanning or just lounging around, our Melon-Tequila Cooler will make you feel relaxed in no time.

Prep time: 3 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups cut-up cantaloup melon (cut in 1-inch pieces)
2 to 3 shots Tequila
3-1/2 cups ice cubes
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
2 sprigs mint leaves (for garnish)

1. In a blender, mix together the melon and Tequila shots.

2. Add 2 cups ice cubes and pulse-blend until slushy.

3. Add 1-1/2 cups more ice cubes and pulse-blend once more. Adjust Tequila level and add sugar, if desired.

4. Divide the drink among two tall glasses and garnish with lime slices and sprigs of mint.

Text and Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real.