One staffer's devotion to Dad is well-documented. Photo: Sara Bonisteel.

Nationwide, Dads are opening boxes and saying, "Another tie ... great!"

Well, not that these propensities are limited to those with a Y-chromosome, but in the hot months we Slashfood staffers have spied our fathers grilling, talking about grilling, mowing the lawn, golfing or standing about yakking.

And why not? It's Father's Day. Dad's entitled. So whip up a Pop-Tail for the Father's Day brunch (if your dad does that) or simply hand him one of these Slashfood-approved elixirs while he's doing any of the above. Top ranking in the favorite son or daughter continuum is now assured.

Kat Kinsman Dad won't mind being put to work on his special day if it means he gets a chance to man the grill. (Well OK, mine hates grilling, but s'OK. A girl can 'cue for her dad, right, ladies?) Smoked fruit -- like lemons and cherries -- brings a satisfying Scotch-like note to summery drinks like lemonade and margaritas. And hey, so long as you and/or he are spending time smoking, you might as well toss a brisket or pork shoulder on the grate. It'd be a crime to waste all that wood. Try my recipe for Smoked Lemonade.

Rachel Been Billy Been is a simple drinker and a gardener, and usually goes for one of two drinking options -- a cold Foster's or a easy mixture of Scotch and soda. He always lets the ice melt a little too much, which seems to take the edge off of the beverage and the sight of his dying asparagus plants.

Sara Bonisteel My dad doesn't drink so I'd whip him up some fresh limeade ... juice a bag of limes, add some simple syrup and cut the concentrate you've made with some seltzer water for a light, tangy treat.

Sarah LeTrent Down south, golfing dads love a grown-up version of the Arnold Palmer that mingles equal parts of lemonade and Firefly sweet tea vodka. It's not too sweet and not too tart.

Lemon-lime gin fizz Photo: Alex Van Buren

Sarah Christine My dad hasn't had an ounce of liquor in his life, and is happiest with a fresh, cold-brewed iced tea (hold the sugar) and a wedge of orange or a sparkle of peach cider.

Alex Van Buren The best way to get out of yard work growing up was to be on "bring Dad a beer while he's mowing the lawn" duty. I'd try to mix up his lemonade/beer routine with a lemon-lime gin rickey: Muddle 1 teaspoon agave (you could also use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon sugar), 1 shot of gin and the juice of half a lime. Shake with ice, pour the lot into a tall glass, and top with half of one bottle of not-too-sweet Meyer lemon GUS soda. It may revive dad just enough to get you out of mower duty.

Rebecca Flint Marx My dad isn't much of a drinker. But he does occasionally have a glass of port that he lets the dog finish. To replicate this experience yourself, dust off one bottle of port, find one flatulent Airedale terrier, turn on Garrison Keillor and sit yourself down for a spell.