Spirits

Annual sales of gin likely to hit £1bn for the first time next year, reflecting changing tastes and habits among UK drinkers

Our wine critic scours the shelves for the best bottles for experts

It is the quintessential cocktail. But for a recipe involving just two ingredients, the debate over its correct preparation is endless. Vodka or gin? How wet? How cold? Shaken or stirred? And should you ever use salt?

Barack Obama enjoyed a breakfast beer at the G7 summit and a London bar is now serving morning wine. From bloody mary to brandy, an early tipple is a fine European tradition

From buttered gin to fruit ice, here are five simple and affordable ideas to jazz up your drinks

Do different drinks have different effects on your mood, why do funny-coloured drinks make you more drunk and what causes the worse hangovers?

Is Christmas not Christmas without eggnog, or do you prefer mulled wine – or another festive tipple entirely? Which spirits and spices do you use, and does anyone serve eggnog warm?

From Germany to Colombia, everyone is drinking gin and tonic. But forget a splash of Schweppes and a slice of lemon – these tipples are served with basil, marmalade or the smoke from burning thyme …

Tequila has firm roots in British drinking culture, typically served in a shot glass with a smattering of salt followed by amnesia and a wince.