Drinking

Back in the BCS Soda Lab again. Trying out the Fall 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 baked an apple.

A show-and-tell about the responsible, cost-effective use of organic agriculture and solar energy. And how they come together to produce strikingly delicious wine. What are you drinking on Labor Day?

Mix up these thoroughly healthy and flavorful ingredients; squirt in some of the bubbly water you just made. You get a better, cheaper soda that's great with chips and anything off the grill. Today I'm mixing watermelon, lime and mint to make a soda inspired by a fruit ceviche. Chili pepper optional.

Mix up these thoroughly healthy and flavorful ingredients; squirt in some of the bubbly water you just made. You get a better, cheaper soda - or wine - replacement. Today I'm mixing fresh pineapple, lime and mint to make a soda that's even more delicious than it is refreshing.

Mix some of the season's delicious and cheap peaches with semi-exotic flavors to make two very different, very refreshing sparkling beverages. One's great with hot dogs. The other's a terrific match for everything from Thai to ceviche to cheese.

In the never-ending quest to be cool during this overheated summer, I drink what I grow. Each week, I make and chill a big sweet-savory pot of herbal tea: lemon verbena, mint, lavender, rosemary. The definition of refreshing.