Nathan Turner’s Un Grande Fiesta

Growing up in California, with a large extended family (that includes Uncle Norv Turner), design and entertaining expert Nathan Turner’s life was filled with food and family. 

The designer recently wrote a book, Nathan Turner’s I Love California: Design and Entertaining the West Coast Way, out last month from Abrams, to honor his heritage—and share some of his favorite recipes. 

In the book, Nathan, who lives in Los Angeles, traveled to Rancho Santa Fe—to the home of his first design client ever—to host a Mexican-themed fiesta for 30. 

San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles has an exclusive excerpt from this section of the book:

CITRUS MIXER Serves 6-8 

Photography by Victoria Pearson

Like most Californians, I’m a margarita purist. I find premade mix, though easy, way too sweet and intense, and it doesn’t actually taste like a margarita. And really, it’s not much harder to make your own. Prepare a pitcher or two of this and you’ll have plenty to serve and some extra to have after a particularly rough Monday.

• 1 c. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 c. fresh orange juice
• 3 c. water
• 5 T. agave syrup

In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, 3 cups (720 ml) water, and agave and stir. Chill until ready to use.

Suggested fruit add-ins 1 cup each cubed watermelon, pineapple, honeydew melon and mixed berries. 

Tip: Make your own margarita by muddling assorted fruit in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 2 ounces (60 ml) silver or reposado tequila, 1 ounce (30 ml) Cointreau, and top with citrus mixer (recipe below). Stir well and garnish with lime wedges and more fruit if desired.