Scanning Around with Gene: Drink Up to Summer!

Memorial Day is here and so it’s time to think summer and the usual activities that go with it. According to the Automobile Club, this summer may be more “stay-at-home” than usual thanks to rising gas prices. But that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the rituals of the season. Like drinking, for example.
Summer means heat and heat means thirst. And that means the beverage makers kick into high gear to promote their various liquid refreshments. From soda pop to beer to the hard stuff, it’s all presented as an option for thirsty folks seeking relief.

I’m not actually sure the consumption of beverages goes up in summer—but it’s a pretty good guess it does. Longer days have people out more shopping, working, or enjoying an outdoor barbecue. All accompanied by your favorite beverage, preferably served over ice. And just in case you don’t think a shot of whisky or a glass of wine is cooling enough, you can always count on recipes like these, from various alcohol distributors.

Ice-cold beer has always been a summer staple, only these days you are less likely to see it paired with activities such as boating or picnicking.

But mostly summer is about Coke and Pepsi and Mountain Dew and whatever else the kids drink these days. A soda in one fist and a beach ball in the other — it doesn’t get much better than that.

Myself, I prefer a good bottle of plain water, but now that’s not green enough, plus there are those chemicals in the plastic to worry about. So I may have to switch to beer, which at least still comes in a glass bottle. Fortunately, living in California means it’s pretty easy to get Mexican Coke, which not only still comes in glass, but tastes a whole lot better than American Coke. And that is mucho bueno.