On longer rides, I might take a bottle of whatever I've got, usually Gatorade, or V8. Then at about the two-thirds point I'll stop at a pub and have a burger and beer. I believe in enjoying the ride, since I'm no longer "training" for anything (other than 2011 PBP).
For snacks, though, I love the Honey Stingers. Like Real Fruit Gummies, easy to handle, once you figure out the best way to open the package while riding. I've gotten tired of the taste of Power Bars, and Clif Bars are too "thick." But I don't think it much matters what you eat or drink on a ride. I like Eddy B's idea of bread dipped in red wine with ham. Or even ham and jelly sandwiches. Sometimes for a long randonneur brevet, I'll start off with a Subway ham sub in a back pocket.
L.