< Previous40 COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 DOWN THE HATCH PITCHER PERFECT Turn this Spanish summer punch into a festive fall favorite Coast Monthly set out to find the ideal cocktail for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving and other autumn gatherings. M ost people associate sangria with wine, Spain and summertime. But sangria is oh so versatile and can be made with alcoholic beverages other than wine, as deliciously demonstrated in this recipe. As for its origins, sangria has Roman ancestors. The cocktail can be traced to Romans 2,000 years ago crossing the Iberian Peninsula, planting vineyards along the way, according to food culture blog Spanish Sabores. “The first sangrias were likely heavily watered-down mixes of wine, water, herbs and spices,” according to Spanish Sabores. “The Romans would add anything to kill off the bacteria in the water and to disguise the terrible taste of the table wine.” Looking for fun cocktail conversation? The name of the drink comes from the Spanish word sangre, which itself comes from the Latin sanguis, or blood, and refers to its dark color,” according to the blog. Most cocktail authorities agree U.S. imbib- ers were introduced to sangria in the 1964 New York World’s Fair when the Pavilion of Spain served it to visitors at its kiosk. Sangria is a spiked punch traditionally made with chopped fruit and Tempranillo, a red wine made from the same-named grape grown in Spain. It’s perfect for parties be- cause it easily can be made in large batches photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 4142 COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 DOWN THE HATCH to serve thirsty crowds. Sangria is a cocktail enjoyed all year, at least in the states, where we celebrate National Sangria Day on Dec. 20. But in Spain, it’s a seasonal drink only really prepared in summer, mostly because it’s refreshing, according to tourism website Spain Like a Local. “If you visit Spain in winter and they have it on display, be suspicious as you might find yourself in a tourist trap,” ac- cording to the website. Yet, warm, spiced sangría often is served as a celebration drink in Spain, which explains why it’s popular during Christmas, other sources report. But everyone can agree sangria is easily adapted for fall festivities with such ingredients as hard cider, apples, pears and cinnamon sticks, making the cocktail perfect for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiv- ing gatherings. CIDER BEER SANGRIA Servings: 4 but easily can be doubled or tripled 2 (12-ounce) cold bottles hard cider 1 (12-ounce) cold bottle wheat beer 1½ cold cups apple cider 1 cup cold ginger ale, or ginger beer, if you want it to have more of a bite ½ cup apple brandy 2 apples, sliced 2 pears, sliced 2 oranges, sliced A handful of cinnamon sticks Cinnamon sugar for the rim, if desired Add all of the fruit and cinna- mon sticks to the bottom of a large pitcher. Add the hard cider, beer, apple cider, gin- ger ale and brandy together and stir gently. If you’d like, rim the edge of a glass with an orange wedge and dip in the cinnamon sugar. To serve, pour the sangria over extra fruit and ice. Unlike regular sangria, don’t let this sit overnight because using beer makes it carbonat- ed and fizzy. The sweetness level will depend on the beer you use along with the cider. For a touch of sweet, stir in some maple syrup. – Recipe from How Sweet Eats© 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. 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At Texas A&M University at Galveston, marine biology students research the genetic mechanisms of Turritopsis dohrnii, a biologically immortal jellyfish, right alongside renowned faculty. While human immortality is distant, with this research and the advent of DNA-based technologies, relief for those with genetic disorders could be within a tentacle’s reach. Whether your interests take you above, below or on the water, as the marine & maritime campus of Texas A&M University, we have the resources you need to succeed. Discover your part in driving our blue economy with degrees in science, engineering, transportation, business and liberal arts. Chart the course to your future today. Visit tamug.edu for more. EVEN BETTER THAN 46 COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 Kendle Dardis’ beach house on the far West end of Galveston is the perfect weekend get- away from her family’s Houston-area home. The open floor plan provides ample space for friends and family to gather all at once. COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 47 COUNTER CULTURE BRIGHT AND BEACHY West End Galveston kitchen reflects family’s weekend getaway style story by BARBARA CANETTI photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS K endle and Lance Dardis had only a few requirements when building their Galveston beach house and kitchen. It had to be bright, light, functional and able to accommodate friends and family and friends of family — all at once. “We wanted big views of the ocean so we could look out at the waves,” Kendle said. “We wanted an open floor plan for our fami- ly to be together.” They got what they wanted. The house, on Galveston’s far West End, was completed about a year ago. The couple searched for months for a beachfront lot to build. With the help of contractor Corby Broesche and his interior designer wife, Lau- ren, who together own Kai Custom Homes, they were able to build a four-bedroom house to accommodate the Dardis’ three teens — and their friends — and give the family a conve- nient getaway from their Houston-area home. The large kitchen almost is all white — cabinets, countertops, ceiling, floors and furnishings. But a soft blue glass tile backsplash around the perimeter of the room gives it a casual and beachy feel. The massive island, covered with a lightly veined porcelain countertop, can com- fortably seat four but has ample space for 48 COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 COASTMONTHLY.COM | NOveMber 2023 49 COUNTER CULTURE (Clockwise from left) Kendle and Lance Dardis’ open-concept kitchen features a large island with porcelain countertop that seats four, white cabinets and a soft blue backsplash; a large farmhouse sink is a focal point on one side of the kitchen; a pull-out drawer next to the Thermador range keeps utensils handy while keeping countertops clutter-free.Next >