Since I’m now officially “between jobs” (my new position doesn’t start until July 9^th), I recently had the chance to do something I’ve not done in quite a while.  I finished up all of my yard work, it was early on a Sunday afternoon, the day was hot and muggy, and I had nowhere to go on Monday morning.  After a refreshing shower to get off the yard stank, it was time to walk down to the corner liquor store and partake in that most special of summer pastimes – day drinking.

I haven’t been day drinking for quite a while, although in my youth, it was a frequent pastime.  When I lived in Florida in my younger days, we used to visit a good friend who lived along the Suwannee River, and she had a name for drinking beer at different times of the day.  We’d pack up her pontoon boat in the morning and motor against the current for a few miles up the river.  Then we’d turn off the engines and float with the current, drinking and lounging for the rest of the day.  Beers consumed before noon were known as “cold water breakfast sandwiches”.  Beers consumed between noon and 4 P.M. were known as “golden sodas”, and then anything after 4 P.M. was simply known as “col’ beer”. 

I specifically mention beer, because if one is going to partake all day (and in the hot sun), one has to have a good understanding of one’s body, their reaction to alcohol, and knowing where one is at on the intoxication scale.  This isn’t the time to start chugging Merlot, pounding Jack and Cokes, or doing countless shots of Jose Cuervo.  Believe me, if this is your course of action, you are going to have a very, very, bad afternoon.  Day drinking requires a lighter touch.  Beer, sangria, rose wine, or even a nice shandy is better in the hot sun – along with plenty of water.  Low alcohol content and lots of water make it easier to regulate where one is at on what I call the “Pink Floyd” scale.  Feeling that buzz coming on too strong?  Shine on, you crazy diamond – drink a few bottles of water and get back in the zone.  You want to be “Comfortably Numb”, not “Another Brick in the Wall”.

Now, when I mention beer – I’m talking about “cheap” beer.  This is not the time for that hoppy, craft brew or that thick, milk stout you sampled at the trendy, hipster, gastro-pub last month.  I’m talking just plain beer.  All-American brands like Budweiser, Coors, or Miller (and preferably the “light” versions of these beers).  I affectionately refer to them as “NASCAR” beers.  Now don’t get me wrong, my beer of choice is Yuengling, but I have to admit that it’s not a brew you can pound all day on a boat and not feel bad the next morning.  Even it is too strong for any extended affair.  My beer of choice for day drinking is Miller Lite (although I have to admit that my guilty pleasure of cheap beer is Old Milwaukee Light, but it’s getting hard to find these days).  It’s refreshing, tastes fine for an all-day experience, and doesn’t “sneak up on you” with regards to its alcoholic punch.

“Well, it’s summer – what’s your stance on limes?”, asked the bearded millennial, texting beside me.  Look, if you want to put a slice of lime, lemon, or even watermelon in your brew – go for it.  I’m not here to judge you.  It just seems like a lot of extra stuff to haul along.  Plenty of ice and twelve, eighteen, or even twenty-four cans packed into a sturdy cooler.  That’s all you really need.

So grab a coozie, sleeve that bandit, and pop a top while sitting on your front porch or patio.  Beat the heat with a little day drinking.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go bury a dead soldier and bring another recruit to the front. 

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!