Not very long ago, one of my editors found twelve people, six of whom had a sworn preference for Coca Cola and six who were devoted to Pepsi. He then phoned me, as his "beverage expert" and asked whether I preferred Coke or Pepsi. My response was as follows:

1. Pepsi and Coke are equally objectionable and I recommend either of them only to people who are in serious danger of dehydration or dying of thirst. Both are too sweet, too sticky and have too much of an aftertaste. Thankfully, there are alternatives.

2. Champagne Veuve Clicquot has sharper bubbles and does not rot the teeth.

3. Perrier water tastes cleaner and does not leave me thirsty all day long.

4. Lemonade made with fresh lemon juice goes better with pizza and does not leave your tongue feeling fuzzy like Pepsi and Coke.

5. Beer goes better with hamburgers, frankfurters and pizza.

6. Carrot juice has more vitamins and less caffeine

7. There is no better way to start a meal than with a Campari-soda which, in addition to tasting good, is refreshing to the palate.

8. Cognac and Armagnac are better for the digestion.

© Daniel Rogov