I beg to differ sir. Micro-brew beer, either a Summer Wheat or a Hefeweizen. The water has been purified, and the hops add additional calories for outdoor exertions..

Being more of the seafaring type, I tend to prefer a good spiced rum. Mix me that drink with a generous ration of Mount Gay rum and I'll be a happy sailor.

I must disagree.

The perfect Margarita (aka "Mexican Martini") Austin style. In 3 equal parts, the size of which you may choose based on your thirst and your tolerance:

1 part good tequila (minimum Cuervo, pref. 1800 or Patron)

1 part Cointreau (or Grand Marnier but NOT Triple Sec)

1 part FRESH SQUEEZED lime juice (no "Realime" packaged juice and certainly no bottled or powdered Margarita mix)

Pour into a Martini shaker over ice and shake vigorously. Serve in salt-rimmed pint glass over ice.

You'll thank me.

You're absolutely right.

So are your commenters.

Add to the list real Spanish Sangria: cheap red wine, cherry brandy, and fresh fruit steeped in the wine to contribute their juices.

Here in Oregon, capitol of the microbrewed beer, my favorite summer seasonal ale is Twilight, from Deschutes brewery.

If you like gin, we're home to the largest juniper forest in the world, and several of our local distilleries have gotten into the game -- most notably, and rightly so, Bend Distillery. Their High Desert Juniper Gin is amazing. But I beg to differ-- "slice" of lime implies singuilar. Extra lime, thank you.

Give me bourbon or vodka any day. (Scotch is Sundays only, preferable with new episodes of Mad Men.) I just can no longer stand sweet or spicy/fruity alcoholic drinks. It's weird, I like cranberry juice and vodka, just not in the same glass. The first during the day, the latter in the evening.

G&T -- a perfect summer drink. But not for men only.

I would submit an Arnold Palmer, with a double shot of Makers Mark would be the great summer drink for a man.

Max, doesn't that make it a John Daly then?

RBJ - I'm told that in order for that drink to be a "John Daly" it would have to be iced tea, lemonade, vodka and a twist of lemon.

According to the Makers Mark distillery when you add a jigger of Bourbon to an Arnold Palmer you've got a "Kentucky Iced Tea."

I'm a big Arnie fan so I would just as soon describe it as a high-octane Arnold Palmer.

G&T, absolutely. BUT do not just use the standard tonic. That stuff is high-fructose corn sweetener and sludge. Try -- just once -- 'Q Tonic'. It is made from agave, has the original quinine (from bark of a south american tree), and tastes completely different. And you'll be kicking yourself for having been mixing top-shelf gin with goat pee tonic all these years.

Whats to discuss? It is the drink of empires, evil or otherwise.