How our readers keep their cool

Appears our readers are a thirsty lot.

We got a ton of responses when, along with our own newsroom picks for summer thirst-quenchers, we asked you what you like in your glasses when the sun's out and the mercury's rising.  Lots of rum and beer drinkers out there, but also plenty of folks who like something cool and refreshing — without a kick.

What's being served in your backyards?

Strong and sweet
"Amaretto and lemonade. Lemonade for lovers! So refreshing! So simple (as everything should be in HOT weather)! and goes down so easily!" -Pam, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

"Happy Juice: Cola, Jim Beam, grenadine, and Maraschino cherries. Make just like you would a whisky and coke and add the grenadine and cherries. Deeee-licious. Refreshing, and the cherries add a nice twist to a classic drink." -Jim, Grand Haven, Mich.

Purely refreshing
"Limeaids - cherry, strawberry or my new favorite watermelon! Refreshing and made with fresh summer fruits - limeades are the best part of summer!" -M. Hall, Sachse, Tex.

"My favorite summer drink is peach iced tea because it is more refreshing than pop and it quenches my thirst better than water because it had flavor to it...." -Tammy, Hebron, Ind.

"Faygo Red Pop ice cream float. When I was a child in Indiana, Faygo was sweet, very fizzy and cheap. My mother would put two scoops of home-made vanilla ice cream in a tall glass and pour the red pop in. It stretched the ice cream and satisfied a bunch of thirsty hot children for quite awhile." -Jan, Indianapolis, Ind.

"My favorite drink is strawberry lemonade. Mostly because in the summer I am not a big drinker and strawberry lemonade really hits the spot." -Samantha, Hartford, S.D.

"My mother used to make punch from orange juice, purple grape juice and ginger ale. People think it sounds weird but it's actually quite good. You can vary the proportions to suit your taste, I usually mix it up as one part each." -Nancy, High Bridge, N.J.

Comme en Paris
"A personal favorite summer drink of mine is a pastis in the classic French style. 1 part Pernod or Ricard to 5 parts icy cold water. The strong anise flavor is not for everyone but I love it." -Barry, Montpelier, Vt.