Cocktail Corner: Tequila Harvest Festival

The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Our local schools may start next week, but the summer celebrations continue. More than 20 tequila and mezcal brands will be pouring at the 6th Annual Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival on Saturday August 29.

This is the largest tequila show in California, and according to festival co-founder Ernesto Rodriguez, “The purpose of the festival is to promote the history, tradition, and art behind tequila production with the Anglo-Saxon and international community, as well as with the new generations of Mexican-Americans who are interested in learning more about these ancient and magical drinks.”

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

About 1,000 tequila aficionados are expected to gather at this elegant and festive outdoor event at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. Featuring live mariachi music and gourmet food, and well as lots of tequila, other highlights at the Tequila Harvest Festival include unreleased and special edition spirits from Tequila CelestialG4, Siete Leguas, Suerte and Tapatío.

In addition,  a portion of ticket sales, as well as a special silent raffle, will benefit the Elings Park Foundation.

Ticket price includes all tequila/mezcal and food samples. This is strictly a 21 and over event. Tickets can be purchased at AgaveAvenue.com. General admission hours are 6-9 p.m., with VIP tastings starting at 5 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

P.S: If you’re anything like me, talking about Tequila puts you in the mood for a Margarita. Here’s a recipe courtesy of Milagro Tequila.

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita

 2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

¾ part Agave Nectar

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

Pour all ingredients in a Boston Shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and strain over ice in a rocks glass.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 21, 2015.