TOD: I enjoy alcohol. Have since I had my first beers and wine at 7. We were in Germany, and it was no big deal for anyone at any age to have a beer with dinner or a glass of wine punch at a party. But then nothing until I was back in Germany a 15. Another lull until college.
In recent years, I have had to give up beer for the most part because of the carbs. My taste now leans toward dry wines, preferably rose' and sparkling wines, things that can be enjoyed cold in this 10-month heat cycle. But wine isn't practical for people who live alone, so I have started leaning toward favorite alcohols. Love a gin and tonic, as long as the tonic isn't too sweet, with lime, or a real martini with gin, vermouth and orange bitters. A real margarita (no sugar, syrup or sweet additive) or tequila and lime. Italian amari, or bitter liqueurs, in cocktails. In the winter: Scotch or bourbon on the rocks.
A Negroni (equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari) is a real favorite. It's got plenty of flavors without being sweet. Sugar just makes me hotter in the heat while a bitter drink is more refreshing. Plus, I love those herbal notes in all three ingredients, such as the juniper and botanicals from the gin.
I don't understand vodka. It's flavorless, odorless and just alcohol. When you add stuff to it, it just tastes like whatever you add to it. So, why add the vodka?