I am really happy that the Sunshine State has finally decided to live up to its name in 2014. This had to be the longest winter in recent history. Yes, I know someone in Minnesota is feeling really bad for us Floridians and our extended frost season. But as the weather warms and we head into summer full speed, it's time to think about those many treats that help refresh us in the summer.

Most folks in the south will say nothing says summer more than ice cream, watermelon, and fresh squeezed lemonade. Although these items can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is during summer when they hold special meaning. Why do we love these so much? The answer is that they are refreshing.

When it comes to our choice adult beverages during the summer months the same can be said. During this warmer time we tend to drink more white, refreshing wines and save the big reds for later. Our beer thirst is quenched much better with lighter beers such as Czech pilsners, and we save the porters and stouts for the cooler times.

Enough of our drink choices—is there a cigar that best goes with summer? If we use the same guidelines that we have for our other refreshments, one would have to argue that mild cigars are more suited for the hotter temperatures. Keep in mind that most serious cigar lovers will smoke their favorites no matter the strength—it’s just a general rule that less strength on a scorching hot day is often easier on the smoker. When you are outdoors in the heat, whether it's riding on your mower or trying to hit that tiny white ball down a narrow fairway, smoking a full-bodied stick packed full of nicotine is not going to be the best option for most folks.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the flavored or infused cigars.

The summer is also a great time to enjoy those flavored or infused cigars. They all tend to be on the mild side and certainly can put the finishing touches on a hot summer afternoon. I also think the infused cigars pair better with the fruity cocktails that most like to whip up at their backyard tiki bar. What’s better than an Acid cigar and one of those “boat drinks” Jimmy Buffett loves to sing about?

Another great summer option is cigarillos. On the rare occasion I get the opportunity to go on vacation with my extended family, I always take a few tins of cigarillos. My father doesn't smoke cigars and neither do two of my brothers, but they will puff on the little ones while we enjoy a few cocktails in the evening. I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out and I have found that even the most novice smoker of the group will enjoy puffing on one of these little guys.

During summer vacation the tins can be your friend.

Ultimately the perfect summer cigar is the one in which you enjoy smoking the most. But if you aren’t sure, or are new to cigars, then go with what is best for the warm weather. Think mild, think flavors, and don't forget about the tins.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.