appreciating the environment

Beverages are one of my favorite accessories in life. A good smoky porter, the ever favorite vodka tonic, a smooth dry red, whatever it is, these selections are truly lovely accompaniments to a moment. But they don't make the moment, the company or sometimes lack there of, burns the brief image of time into our memories....and unfortunately, sometimes when with camera happy friends, the pictures to prove it. Like any good wine or beer dinner, there are always 'pairings' to heighten the experience. Here's a brief list of some of my favorite, well, um, 'pairings':

Vodka Tonics on the Beach: Well to be quite frank, vodka tonics anywhere usually make for a fine experience, but for me, my favorite pairing is on a certain-not-be-named beach in Delaware (I don't need to be hunted down by the town police for public drinking.) There's almost nothing better during the summer than sitting with my toes in the sand, listening to my iPod, reading a book, & sipping on that lovely bitter, but refreshing cocktail by myself. Oh & with lemon, please. Hold the lime for the gin & tonic.

Tropical Girly Drinks & Dancing with Friends: Again, usually paired with the beach, but at a club. How can anyone resist a concoction of 3 different liquors, fruit juice, warm weather, & karaoke? At that moment, nothing seems to be able to top 'that' night and laughs will ensue for many years as you reflect on the night that you did a duet with a Freddie Mercury impersonator..or so I've heard.

Mimosas & Brunch: I love, ok, worship Coffee, but there's something so special and fabulous about eating a large amount of breakfast food at 1 pm on a Sunday and drinking champagne & OJ. This usually occurs with at the very least a significant other, and usually a small group of friends. I recommend both, on repeated occasions.

Red Wine & Dinners with Friends: Really, who can resist a homemade Italian or Steak dinner with several bottles of Red and the laughter & company of friends on a winter Friday night? Conversation, pour. Laughter, pour. Eat, pour. A lovely redness of the cheeks, a warm "ahhh" feeling inside, and a wide smile. This pairing does come with Two warnings though: 1) Always have a glass of water on hand so that your lips don't end up looking like Helena Bonham Carter, & 2) Always, always, drink the best bottle first...you won't care if it's Rinute or Sterling that you are drinking by the end of the night.

White Wine & Dinners on the Patio: I am not a fan of white wine, however, a nice crisp Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc on the patio, dinner with friends, and a gorgeous summer evening make for a fantastic pairing. I like to add in some Billy Holiday or Etta James to complete the scene. (That sounded so Martha!)

Bourbon, Whiskey, or Scotch with the Boys: A smoke filled room, a handful of male friends, and a bottle of Blantons, Beam, Jameson, or Talisker  make for a grand evening. Usually accompanied by a few outrageous male jokes, cigars, card games, & 'intellectual' conversation.

Beer: This is the most broad pairing, as there are so many moments with this tasty beverage, as well as different versions of the tasty beverage. 1) Guinness and St. Patrick's Day, 2) College Football Tailgates with friends & Yuengling, 3) Parties with friends and Beirut (aka Beer Pong) & Bud Light 4) Dinners with fantastic Craft Brews 5) Watching any sports game at the bar, etc. and my most recent favorite: being rather foggy after a raucous New Year's Eve, going to the Outback Bowl, & curing my fogginess with Penn State football, my husband, & Bud Light--who knew that crap could taste so good in 75 degree weather?!

Monkey Boys & State College: There is something so delightful about being back in State College with friends while drinking a 7 liquor concoction, from a pitcher. All of a sudden those undergrads don't seem that much younger than you (or reality, you forget how old you are) and there's a child-like giddiness about who ordered which flavor. These must always be enjoyed with a group of PSU loving friends. WARNING: one too many pitchers and you may find yourself obsessed with Taco Bell!....again, or so I've heard.

Honorable Mentions (well, really they're just as great, but this posting is already too long): Margaritas on Cinco De Mayo, Martinis (specifically mine) & a gathering (usually ending up in an 80s dance party,) Daiquiris (again, my Decksicles rock!) on the deck or patio or wherever with friends & the husband and summer weather, wine tastings at Barrel Oak Winery with the girls, Manhattans with the family, and hot toddies in front of the fireplace with the husband.