Anybody else have a Dew addiction?

[Baldkin]

So, I have not had a Mt. Dew or any soda since the Tuesday after Memorial Day (May 28). Longest stretch since I was probably a child. I've been searching healthier substitutes. I'm liking Sparkling Ice flavored water. I know someone is going to say that the artificial sweetener is unhealthy. I think that's debatable and I would still argue that it's a healthier alternative to Soda.

 

The issue that I'm having is when it comes to adult beverages. I'm not a beer drinker and my beverage of choice has always been brandy and coke. Completely out of principal I don't want to have soda at all, not even in a mixed drink. On the occasions that I have had a drink at home I have had vodka and lemonade or even vodka and Gatorade (again, I realize lemonade or Gatorade is probably not any healthier than soda..but I don't want to drink soda). The issue is when we go out. We went to a festival a couple of weeks ago and I had a couple of beers, but again, beer is really not my thing. So, we may be going out to a bar this weekend. Can someone give me some suggestion of mixed drinks that A) do not contain soda B) do not appear to look to fruity (i.e. red in color) and C) I can easily order at most bars (many bars don't have lemonade to mix with drinks).

 

Well now, here we go.... no diet soda either, I'll assume. Do you have a favorite type of liquor?

 

Spiced rum and Soda-water is a favorite of mine. Irish Whiskey & Ginger-ale, Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade (many places will call that a John Daly), Any of the "Russians" (blind, black, or white). Margarita's, when made well, are wonderful. My staple is a decent bourbon on the rocks, or a good whiskey sour (mind you, ask if they use 50/50 or some such nonesense. Make sure they use actual sour mix or lime juice for this).

 

Hope that helps.

[TooLiveBrew]

Gin & tonic... my favorite drink

 

The gin has to be of good quality -- that's important

 

Vodka & tonic is another winner.

[Blancofan1]

I've never been a fan of drinking hard alcohol with soda, just never got to be a fan of it. I've got a lot of drinks that I prefer, but from your description I don't know if you'd be willing to drink them.

 

Random question about not wanting your drinks to look fruity, is that a personal choice or do you just not think it looks cool to drink a fruity drink?

 

My personal favorites

Blackberry Brandy and RedBull--you would like that one I think, but RedBull is even worse than drinking the soda

Summer Hummers--Lime vodka and lemonade sometimes with a splash of 7-Up--looks green though

Rasberry or Grape vodka and lemonade

Gin or Vodka and cranberry--choice of vodka usually doesn't matter, but make sure it is decent Gin if you lean that way

Hard cider beers--really gaining in popularity these days, but if your not comfortable with the appearance of a fruity drink, this may not be an option for you

[stoutdude04]

Spiced rum and pineapple...sounds odd, but give it a shot and you won't be disappointed.

[Patrick425]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Last night went out and had a vodka and lemonade at dinner. Then I had a few vodka and redbulls while playing darts. As Blancofan stated, I realize that Redbull is worse than soda as far as health goes. However, when it come to avoiding soda in this situation it's not as much about health as not wanting to fall "off the wagon" (or is it on the wagon...did Seinfeld ever figure that out?) If I mix something with soda then I'll start rationalizing by saying what's the difference if I have a alcohol mixed with soda once in a while or just pure soda.

 

Also, blancofan, to answer your question about fruity drinks...Yes, as stupid as it sounds, it's somewhat of a "manly" image thing. Reminds of the scene from "The Departed" when Leonardo Dicaprio orders Cranberry Juice. Don't want to risk getting censored so I won't state what the guy next to him says.

[RobDeer 45]

I'd suggest switching to soda water with your drinks. You will feel a lot better and it's a lot healthier. Any gin or vodka and soda with lime is really a great summer drink. Or if you still need some flavor you can do a splash of sprite or something with the soda water.

[JimH5]

Yes, as stupid as it sounds, it's somewhat of a "manly" image thing.

 

A man drinks what he wants. A boy worries what others think of him.

 

That's my effort at being Jimmy the Bartender.

[CheezWizHed]

Mountain Dew is a terrible product.

 

[sarcasm]Whoa... come to a MD addition group and throw that out??? Are you a Cardinals fan too?

 

Can we vote on banishment? [/sarcasm]