DESTINATION: COCKTAIL

At Sapphire Laguna in Laguna Beach, you’ll find a warm, home-like environment with a sprawling wooden patio and an attractive fire pit. You’ll also find a nice-sized list of thoughtful cocktails dreamed up by chef Azmin Ghahreman. The Iranian-born, Swiss-educated chef is an inspired world traveler and adds dabs of different parts of the globe into both his food and his beverage programs. Take his white peach sangria, which is equal parts Spain and Southern California. It’s also simple to whip up in a pinch. Pureed peaches, a full-bodied Spanish white wine and sparkling water make for a lively, refreshing evening treat.

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White Peach Sangria by Azmin Ghahreman

1 ounce Absolut peach

vodka

3.5 ounces Spanish

white wine (Verdejo

or Albarino)

1.5 ounces white peach

puree

Dash sparkling water

You can play with the measurements depending on whether you are making a glass or a pitcher. Combine all the ingredients in a glass, stir, top with sparkling water and garnish with edible flowers.

Sapphire Laguna, 1200 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. (949) 715-9888

-- Jessica Gelt