Drinking

Doesn't come in a can or bottle. Because the artificial sweeteners in there won't help you lose weight. They may lead to weight gain and diabetes, stroke or dementia. If you're a diet soda user, I'll give you a bunch of good news solutions after I explain the latest bad news.

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.