Easy Drinking

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Say goodbye to single-malt snobbery. It's time to toast the arrival of more approachable — and affordable — blended whiskeys. Scotland's Jon, Mark and Robbo's Malt Scotch Whisky blends — the Smokey Peaty One, the Rich Spicy One and the Smooth Sweeter One — are already hits with the 18-to-35-year-old set in Europe.

Now American distillers like Phillips Union are hoping to crack open the U.S. market with vanilla- and cherry-flavored blends. Connoisseurs may turn up their noses, but the new Scotches are surprisingly smooth.

Big Spenders
Good taste often comes at a high price, but these extravagant tipples may just be worth the splurge.

Louis XII Cognac ($1,400) has been in production since 1874 and is made from 100% Grande Champagne grapes.

The Balvenie Thirty ($549) is aged in Oloroso sherry barrels and bourbon casks for a truly singular single-malt whiskey.

Milagro Romance Tequila's ($149) bottle within a bottle is a happy marriage of reserve añejo and reposado.

Cocktail Catalogs
Stuck for inspiration when it comes to cocktail parties? These books will help you choose the right wine or mix the right drink.

Cocktails shaken and stirred
Legendary London Mixologist Douglas Ankrah carefully considers food pairings and serves up cocktails both classic and creative.

Thirsty work
Australian sommelier Matt Skinner, the wine manager of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, has written an easy and unpretentious guide to wines.

Bartending 101
This comprehensive guide from the Harvard Student Agencies' Bartending Course teaches amateurs to mix hundreds of drinks like a pro.