drinking

The kids are off for three months, but summer fun is for adults, too! Put a couple of these refreshing beverages in your cooler before heading out to soak up some sun. When packing up for an excursion, include some of these easy on-the-go snacks to keep everyone satisfied.

Refreshing Grown-Up Beverages

Truly one of a kind

At only 100 calories and one gram of sugar per bottle, Truly Spiked & Sparkling is the perfect way to enjoy a cool summer drink without compromising your waistline. Available in a variety of crisp, clean flavors like Sicilian Blood Orange and Colima Lime, you’ll want to keep your cooler stocked with these spiked waters all beach season.

Don’t worry, beer happy

Traditional ginger beer gets a grownup makeover with Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer. This tasty drink has not only all the revitalizing flavor of a regular ginger beer but also about four times less molasses than its nonalcoholic counterparts, so you can enjoy all the taste without the added sugar.

No troubles, just bubbles

On a hot summer day, there is nothing quite like a thirst-quenching beverage to help you kick back and relax. Whether you are at the beach or having a barbecue with friends, Spike Seltzer drinks are delicious all on their own or used in a fun mixed drink.

You vodka be kidding me

Deep Eddy’s line of flavored vodkas makes for the perfect addition to any fun summer cocktails. With bright, seasonal flavors like sweet tea, ruby red grapefruit and peach, there is no end to the concoctions you can create at your next get-together.

Easy Beach Snacks

Don’t skip the chips

Think potato chips have to be bland? Think again! These new flavor-packed kettle-cooked chips from Cape Cod are infused with fresh ingredients that will forever change how you look at everyone’s favorite sandwich side. From robust Mediterranean to spicy jalapeño, these bold varieties are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

One smart cookie

Something sweet is just what you’ll need after spending a day by the salty sea. These gluten-free Archway Cookie Thins are perfect to pack in your beach bag for snacking between invigorating dips in the ocean and lively volleyball games.

Fan-ta-stick snacks

These flavorful pretzel sticks from Snyder’s are the perfect on-the-go snack for busy summer afternoons. Grab one or both of the new flavors, Hot Buffalo Wing and Honey Mustard & Onion.

Bounty of bites

For an indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth, try these truffle-like bites from Larabar. Ideal for a beach day or picnic, these vegan and dairy-free delights contain just five to six simple ingredients.

Sex in the City made cosmos all the rage. I even purchased a beautiful set of etched martini glasses so I could make my very own.

For one holiday celebration—an open house—I mixed up a batch of Pom-itinis for my friend. Pomegranate juice, simple syrup, an orange liquor and lots of vodka combined for a fragrant and fabulous cocktail. They had these delicate twists of orange zest as a garnish and were a lovely balance of tart and sweet. However, Pom-itinis went straight from an empty stomach to the head.

Everyone was sipping and munching as the early afternoon wore on, but there was a big difference for me. I wasn’t munching, only sipping. Those gorgeous canapés all had gluten. The lovely little puff pastry shells filled with salmon, those crostini topped with a bruschetta, the mini lamb burgers, the chicken skewers with a mystery dipping sauce….everything looked and smelled delicious and everything was off limits. I could eat the shrimp and the crudités platter.

But, I learned the hard way that all those little hors d’ouevres are bread related to absorb the alcohol at cocktail parties. So, I ended up pretty toasted and hoped for some food I could eat as they laid out a spread on the table. No luck, the main “filler” food for the open house….a gorgeous display of wrap sandwiches and then an array of desserts were also off limits. Curses…everything had gluten!

Just to finish the story, I didn’t embarrass myself by falling off my chair or slurring something inappropriate, but I remember participating in conversations with reckless gusto. And I had a killer hangover the next day, just a piercing headache accompanied by cravings for Diet Coke and greasy food.

Like most lessons learned the hard way, I have tried to be proactive about cocktail parties and gatherings. I just assume there will be nothing for me to eat and I eat a bowl of cereal, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a slice of pizza before I go out. The real reason I am there is to see friends, catch up and share some laughs…it’s never really about the food or the cocktail.

I also see the virtue in drinking water or a soda in between the glasses of wine because at this point in my life I don’t need the calories of the bottomless glass and my kids play way too many sports to spend a miserable Sunday on the couch.

As you begin to celebrate the holiday season, fill your tummy before you go out! You do not want to be the drunken buffoon that everyone gossips about the next day. Note to all celiacs, shrimp and carrots do not absorb alcohol!