Perfect drink pairings for exciting summer destinations

Match your activity with the ideal beverage

Refresh and rehydrate! Celebrate summer with thirst-quenching drinks.

Active summer days call for great pairings -- recreation and refreshment! Wherever you're headed on these sultry summer days and nights, find the beverage with perfect flavor to quench your thirst and cool you down while enjoying all the fun!

Camp grounds

Hitting a camp ground this year? Summer activities in the great outdoors include hiking and biking, camping and canoeing, water sports and a variety of strenuous activities that require you to stay hydrated and replace the liquids that you sweat out of your body. Water is always a smart choice, so drink plenty and drink it often. By the time you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrating and you could be at risk for heat-related illneess. After strenuous activity, replace lost liquids with a sports drink. These beverages are formulated to replace electrolytes and restore hydration and balance to your system while quenching thirst.

Local parks

Picnics at your local park mean lemonade, iced tea and chilled wine. Keep your beverages iced down to serve cold, and if possible make the lemonade and tea slightly stronger so ice won't dilute the flavors. Try a fruit blend in either -- the addition of fresh berries or fruit syrup adds a sweet twist to these summer staples. Keep drinks in an insulated cooler well-packed with ice and bottles of water that have been frozen overnight. As the bottles thaw you'll have an extra bonus: plenty of cold water to sip.

Romantic beaches

As you watch the sun set over the ocean as you sit hand-in-hand with your love, a dry or fruity white wine is the perfect summertime pairing. Serve with a crusty baguette, a slab of cheese and some glossy red grapes, for a simple and sumptuous meal that's ideal for romantic evening.

Kid-friendly amusements

Keep kids energized for exciting outdoor destinations -- the water park, zoo, a summer concert or a parade -- with fruit juice drinks that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. To control sugar, take advantage of the seasonal fresh produce and make your own blends of fruit and vegetable juices.