With Independence Day, the Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park behind us, I finally feel like we’re in the midst of the summer season! I actually have some green tomatoes hanging from the vines in my front yard (Yes, I’m praying every day for them to actually turn red) and sprinkled some fresh garden basil over my salad last night. The soft blue and purple spring flowers are dying back and being replaced by the brilliant yellows, whites and reds of summer. My dog, Cappy, wants to take walks at any time of day and I want to get out there and take him on those gorgeous hikes. Nothing like a little walk down Spring Creek to get the “ya-yas” out of a dog!
Predictably enough, at the end of those hikes, I like nothing better than to kick back and have a cold drink. I’ve been quite eclectic in my choices this year. Last year, I got stuck on my Paloma (grapefruit Izze, reposado tequila, and a squeeze of lime over ice) and while I still won’t turn one down, I have branched out a bit.
My first choice these days is an icy, icy sweeter but crisp white like the Sokol Blosser Evolution white blend ($20) or the Kung Fu Girl Dry Riesling ($15). I love sipping a beautiful white while watching the world from my porch. I just sit and sip and look out at the garden and ignore the weeds that need to be pulled or the project that still needs to be completed.
Sometimes I end my day by throwing the ball for the dog instead of walking him. In that case, a beer is usually in order – something that I can balance pretty much anywhere. I’m a fan of the O’Dells Indian Pale Ale ($9.25 / six-pack) and from our bombers, the Deschutes Red Chair IPA ($4.75). I’ve had a couple of dreams about the Caracole Troublette ($17.50 / four-pack) as well.
Finally, if life has been too much for me, I’ll relax in front of the television and sip on something stronger. Aberlour ($42), a Highland single malt scotch aged in Sherry barrels, fortifies me for tomorrow. And a little goes a long way. Gotta love that!
So, that’s me. What about you? What’s your favorite drink for unwinding? Comment and let’s find out!
