In ancient times, our parents would dissolve a sugar cube with bitters, and add whiskey, ice and a twist of orange zest. That was an Old Fashioned. When in Rome, they did as the Romans did, sipping aperitifs concocted from brightly colored liqueurs and soda.
Summer sippers perk us up
By WENDELL BROCK, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Today, young moderns are embracing light, spritzy, aperitif-based drinks as pre-dinner pick-me-ups -- libations to perk up the palate before the food and wine come around.
On a recent scorching afternoon, I held a glass of orange fizzy water in my hand, marveled at the pretty color, took a sip and fell in love. Thus my new obsession with the Aperol Orange Soda, so named for the bright-red, bittersweet, Campari-like Italian liqueur that is its main ingredient. It harks back to the American Old Fashioned. The slight edge of Aperol and orange bitters is tempered by an equal amount of simple syrup and lemon juice -- plus a big glug of soda water, finished off with a strip of orange zest. The sparkling water has a natural cooling effect. Hold the drink close to your face and it will mist you. For me, it is summer in a glass.
So is lemonade, iced tea, a mixture of the two, or anything concocted with copious amounts of ice, lemon, lime, sugar and mint. Lately I have discovered that lemonade has an affinity with herbes of Provence, the mixture of dried Mediterranean herbs that usually includes rosemary and lavender. By infusing simple syrup with the perfume of herbs and a hint of vanilla bean, you introduce the classic American sipper to the sunny flavors of France. (Bonjour!) Stir up a pitcher. The kids can drink lemonade, and the adults can spike the drink. Bourbon is my preferred method for hardening lemonade. If you are feeling especially glib, pop in a maraschino cherry. You also could add a shot of vodka or gin or bubble up the lemonade with a splash of soda, Prosecco or Champagne.
about the writer
WENDELL BROCK, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 23rd installment of the beer fest will take place Oct. 12 at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis.