Drinking

There's something about fresh pineapple that a blender turns into a creamy, frothy puree. A puree that bubbles into a big, foamy head when you squirt carbonated water into your glass. A big head on a very smart soft drink. Much smarter than a cola that makes you stupid.

I'm not a betting man, but if I were I'd bet you'll like this. Even if you're not having a Kentucky Derby party. Deeply flavorful, thoroughly refreshing and, yes, kinda sweet soda with a fraction of the sugar calories you'd get in a can of Coke.

What to drink with a nice dinner when you don't want alcohol. No red wine. No white wine. No beer. Just something with a lot of good, interesting flavor. Something you sip very slowly. A great pairing with fish or shellfish. Or veal or chicken. Cheers!

Back in the BCS Soda Lab again. Looking for a delicious all-natural soda with no sodium. And a lot of potassium. For Julia's niece. Because her medical condition requires this. Here it is. If your only requirement is great flavor, this one's for you, too.

Slower to lose its cool. Slower to lose its fruit flavor. Slower to intoxicate you on a hot day. It's all in the ice cubes. Or ice balls. Fresh frozen fruit juice and zest.

Back in the BCS Soda Lab again. Trying out the Spring flavors this time. Still looking for that magic flavor combination that will convert each and every cola addict of every age to a healthy soda pop drinker. So I cooked some strawberries and rhubarb.

That's the question at breakfast every morning ... if you're in Nepal. It's the hot morning beverage you drink with everything. It's really hot lemon and honey. Maybe ginger. No tea. Easily habit-forming. A very good habit at this time of year.

Even if your turkey's tender, you may think it's tough to find the right thing to drink with it. The good news: some unusual and relatively inexpensive wines work really well. I'd go for something bright, fruity, spicy. Something to refresh. Something to add interest to the next mouthful.

So what're you drinking for Thanksgiving? What're the kids going to drink? I'm working on it, mixing up food-friendly flavored sparkling waters. Refreshing, satisfying alternatives to wine and beer when you just don't feel like alcohol with your turkey or short ribs