I read on another blog (apologies, I forget which one now...) that the South Beach Wine & Food Festival is like Spring Break for the food industry. I wasn't there personally, but from the pictures I've seen, I'd have to say it seems pretty accurate. There was sun, sand, booze and partying. One of the events, After Hours at 212 Access House which took place on the same night as the Food Network Awards, had everyone partying down on specialty Gran Centenario Tequila cocktails. One of the cocktails was called the Gran Tangria (a tequila based take on Sangria), and I'm pretty sure I'm going to mix up a batch of this for my next party. To check out the recipe and see more pictures of chefs partying hard (including Tom Collichio, Katie Lee Joel, Bobby Flay, and Mikey "Top Chef" Midgley), read more

Gran Tangria
From Monika Chiang and Gran Centenario

1 1/2 cups Gran Centenario Reposado (tequila)
1/2 Cup Brandy
2 oz Grand Marnier
2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
15 cloves
Slices of 1 apple, mango, orange and lemon

Let stand overnight, and then add:

1 cup fresh apple juice
1/2 cup pomegranate juice (fresh if possible)
1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
Splash of Club Soda

When serving, add a splash of club soda to each drink in a Collins glass over ice.

Serves 8-10 people.

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