CURRENTS
Stephen Beaumont on beer glasses, Robert Plotkin advises rookie bartenders, restaurants help New Orleans, international cocktail competition and more.

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Several big deals in 2005 change the landscape of California’s wine industry.
BY DAN BERGER

COCKTALES
Who created the Margarita? Where was the Martini born? And what is a Martinez? Find out here.
BY GARY REGAN

FEELING THE DRAFT
New beer systems and equipment put draft beer center stage.
BY HOWARD RIELL

SOUTH AMERICAN SPIRITS
Cachça, pisco, and other spirits from the New World are attracting interest. What they are and how to use them.
BY JACK ROBERTIELLO

UPSELLING COFFEE and TEA
Upgrading service and products are key ways operators can improve their tea and coffee sales in a competitive environment.
BY ELLIE VAN SAVAGE

CHEERS SPIRIT PANEL
Looking for new vodkas, tequilas, rums or Scotches? Discover some of the latest and what they taste like.
BY ROBERT PLOTKIN AND JACK ROBERTIELLO