loyd.net

Obviously alcoholic beverages, like foods, are seasonal.  Just as fresh fruit or a light salad are more appropriate in summer than winter, so certain drinks are preferable at certain times of year.  I'm a fan of Scotch whisky, but often canna handle it in the heat of summer (especially not in Florida).  I definitely prefer red wines to whites, but in my inadequately air conditioned house keeping a red at the proper room temperature can be challenging.  A few years ago I had an epiphany—the perfect way to have a refreshingly cool drink in the summer and keep the red wine chilled: make sangria!  Now part of my summer routine is to keep a pitcher of sangria in the fridge between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  Okay, I kinda cheat, I'm not really into fresh fruit, so I just make a mix of red wine and fruit juice and spike it a bit.  Quick 'n' easy, and keeps me cool.

One day, perhaps after enjoying the sangria a bit much, I noticed the alliterative relationship between Sangria and Summer.  I thought it would be interesting to come up with some alliterative guidance on what to drink when:

• Summer - Sangria
• Autumn - Ale (Octoberfest, anyone?)
• Winter - Whisky & Wine

But I've had a hard time deciding what to do with spring.  Spritzers? Spumante? Not really my favorites.  Screwdrivers? Too much orange juice. It's too warm for Sherry, but too early to start the Sangria.  Took me a while to figure this one out:

• March through May - Margaritas

I must confess, just as I may eat salad in winter and chili in summer, I can enjoy a drink out of season.  Though my birthday is in summer I must celebrate it with scotch (especially if someone else is buying).  Good ale or beer is good any time (and cheap beer is bad any time).  I'd never want to impose hard and fast rules--after all, a good drink is about enjoying the moment.