Summer is not exactly just around the corner, so we’re not even going to suggest that sun-faded cliche. However, it’s never too early to dream about warmer weather, and all of its recreational offerings.
One sure sign that summer might actually appear at some point is the beverage cooler. Whether plastic or metal, the cooler is always a shiny, happy image. Recently, the OnMilwaukee.com editors started chatting about coolers and what drinks go best inside them. Here are their suggestions, and feel free to add your own via the Talkback feature.
Molly Snyder Edler
Staff writer
In the winter, I drink Guinness and Lakefront and a variety of other "good" beers. However, I turn into a complete beer-drinking lame ass during the summer, admittedly wanting to keep my swimsuit-friendly figure. Last summer, I probably drank 100 cans of Miller Chill over the course of the season, and would not be surprised if that happened again. I am also a big fan of Limeaid and white tequila. Actually, most fruit juices mixed with white tequila are OK with me. Hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Julie Lawrence
Staff writer
Milwaukeeans have been known to do funny things when the weather warms, even just a little bit. When it hits 50 degrees, you see people in shorts. When it hits 60, the grills are fired up. And when it hits about 75, I know it's officially shandy season. Leinenkugel makes a mean Summer Shandy and if I can find it at the liquor store, that's what my cooler contribution. If I can't make it to the store and I'm in a pinch, I'll make my own from some variety of cheap pilsner and lemonade, with a fresh fruit garnish. Bring on the heatwaves, I'm ready.
Drew Olson
Senior editor
Nothing says "spring" or "summer" to me like a delicious vodka-lemonade. I know it's not the most manly drink in the world. In a way, it makes me feel like a high school kid "sneaking" a nip of Boone's Farm or some other nectar. But, dammit, I love lemonade. Vodka is a universal mixer. When mixing with lemonade, I can go with the cheaper stuff and be thrilled. If you toss in a 12-pack of Shiner Bock, a sizzling grill and some sunshine, I'm in heaven.
Jeff Sherman
President
This "charticle," as we call these collaborative pieces, reminds me that I need a new cooler. It's on the list. I'll stock it first with bottled water. Lame, I know, but necessary. Then, I go with a mix of Beck's Premier Light, Milwaukee Brewing Company's Flaming Damsel Real Blonde and a recent addition to my regular beer drinking list Heineken Premium Light. Finally, I always throw in two openers. Admit, you forget one or lose one on every outing.
Bobby Tanzilo
Managing editor
I don't drink anything different, really, based on the seasons. A glass of barbera or a frosty bottle of Red Stripe tastes just as good in summer as in autumn, winter or spring. But I think that I do tend to drink beer more in the warmer months and favor wine more in cooler temps. I like to spend as much time as possible at Miller Park in summer and when I'm there, I'll seek out the smaller beer stands (or the club level bar) and nab a Sprecher or a Guinness.
Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
You know, it depends on where I'm bringing said cooler. To tailgate, I'll fill 'er up with Miller High Life and/or PBR. To a barbecue, maybe something better, like a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Unless it's smoking hot, in which case I might mix it up with a Miller Chill or two. And, if I'm heading to the beach to bake in the sun, I'll go sans alcohol with a Vitamin Water Zero (XXX flavored, ideally).
Andrew Wagner
Staff writer
I don't get much use out of my cooler during the summer. With a big patio and easy access to Downtown bars and attractions, my home usually becomes a hangout for my friends -- whether I want them there or not. Anyway, I know this will come as a complete surprise to everybody, but the booze selection in my summer ice box is pretty simple: a lot of Schlitz, plenty of gin (and diet tonic) and an ample supply of Jagermeister, Killepitsch or Zwack (all herbal liqueurs). Yeah, it may be boring ... but tasty.
