Quenching A
Summer Thirst
The sun's hot summertime rays create a challenge to wetting
your whistle. Satisfying taste buds in the process can be
equally difficult. Everyone has their favorite list of
libations. I thought I'd share a few of mine.
Sun
Tea
Powdered ice tea mix will simply not do in my house. Tea,
freshly brewed by sitting in the sun for several hours, has
a great taste, and it's healthy to boot. It's been a
Southern tradition for years. It couldn't be simpler to
brew - no matter where you live.
Take a large clear pitcher, jar or jug and fill it with
cold water. Add several tea bags (I prefer decaf)
proportionately to the amount of water and place the
container in the sun for several hours. When the tea has
turned a nice dark color, remove the tea bags and chill.
The tea will keep in the refrigerator for a week or
so.
To serve just fill a tall glass with ice and add a slice of
lemon, lime or orange. Pour the tea over the ice. I find
that there's no real need to add sugar or sweetener. The
fresh citrus injects enough zip to satisfy my taste buds
and keeps the calorie count very low. It's a great
alternative to carbonated beverages.
Fruit
Smoothies
Fruit juice is one of the best ways to give your body its
needed dose of natural sugar. I love to put fresh fruit in
the blender and add a little sparkling water (or club soda)
and a few ice cubes. The result is a wonderful concoction
that young, and old alike, adore.
I use whatever fruit is available at my local produce
stand. My favorites include peaches and strawberries. And,
on the days when I can't get to the market or "the pickins"
are slim, orange juice concentrate and a splash of milk,
instead of the fruit, makes a great substitute.
Rosé
Wine
Accept no impostors. A real rosé is a dry, crisp, refreshing
mouthful of flavor that has a hint of fruitiness. Some
years ago California wineries began producing something
they called White Zinfandel. Although it became an
enormously popular drink for a few years, it did much to
malign true rosés. "White Zin's," as they're
called are very sweet, in comparison, and much less
versatile.
The best rosés, at least in my opinion, are
the varieties produced in the Mediterranean regions of
Spain, France and Italy. Rosés get their pink color because
the skins of red grapes are exposed briefly to the juice
during the first stage of fermenting.
Quite simply, they make great drinking wines.
Rosés
should be drunk young. They're refreshing and pair
wonderfully with summer fare such as grilled chicken and
vegetables and even burgers and brats.
A decent bottle should cost no more than about $12. Pick
one up today and chill it to accompany your next grilled
meal.
Ice Cold
Beer
Cold beer has become synonymous with cottage country and
summertime in North America. Spend a moment before you
stock your refrigerator. Think about the choices available
to you today.
You're no longer limited to the Canadian duopoly or the
three U.S. macro breweries. There are many outstanding
choices from micro breweries.
Micro breweries are producers of distinctive beer styles in
limited quantities. They typically only produce a few
thousand barrels a year.
Stick to the lighter side of the spectrum and buy ales and
lagers. Stay away from "lawnmower" beers. Make sure that
your taste buds meet the hops and grain.
Summertime favorites in our house include Creemore Springs
Premium Lager, Wellington County Arkell Best Bitter, Sierra
Nevada Pale Ale and Goose Island IPA.
Cheers!