You never forget your first drink. Mine was Zima. Because it was all the rage in 9th grade and my mom kept it in the fridge, next to her carton of Marlboro Lights. I have no idea what Zima tasted like, but I never drank it again. Instead I drank pretty much anything fruity, alcoholic, and available at the 7-11. Strawberry Hill Boones. Mike’s Hard Lemon-aid. Etc. I’ve never been much of a beer drinker, and tried choosing the more sophisticated drinks, but I always felt like a poser when I ordered a Gin & Tonic or Jack & Coke. Finally, I found my cocktail of choice, the cheap and classy Cape Cod.  Naturally, I had about 500,000. So lately I’ve been trying out a new drink. The Greyhound. (Above.) Like me, it’s a little bitter, a little bit healthier, but basically the same damn thing.  It’s made with grapefruit juice instead of my beloved cranberry. It’s working so far, but I’m not committing. The June/July issue of my favorite new mag, The Food Network Magazine, has a story called 50 Summer Drinks. I’m dying to try the Peach-Ginger Iced Tea and the Pink & Green Aperitif. Cheers! — Ashley

You never forget your first drink. Mine was Zima. Because it was all the rage in 9th grade and my mom kept it in the fridge, next to her carton of Marlboro Lights. I have no idea what Zima tasted like, but I never drank it again.

Instead I drank pretty much anything fruity, alcoholic, and available at the 7-11. Strawberry Hill Boones. Mike’s Hard Lemon-aid. Etc. I’ve never been much of a beer drinker, and tried choosing the more sophisticated drinks, but I always felt like a poser when I ordered a Gin & Tonic or Jack & Coke. Finally, I found my cocktail of choice, the cheap and classy Cape Cod.  Naturally, I had about 500,000.

So lately I’ve been trying out a new drink. The Greyhound. (Above.) Like me, it’s a little bitter, a little bit healthier, but basically the same damn thing.  It’s made with grapefruit juice instead of my beloved cranberry. It’s working so far, but I’m not committing.

The June/July issue of my favorite new mag, The Food Network Magazine, has a story called 50 Summer Drinks. I’m dying to try the Peach-Ginger Iced Tea and the Pink & Green Aperitif. Cheers!

— Ashley