Having a good local bar is key, especially in a city like New York, where cramped quarters often make gathering en masse at someone's apartment impractical and uncomfortable. What makes a local particularly good? Proximity to one's home is essential,... More

[Photograph: Breuckelen Distilling Company] They say that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Brad Estabrooke took that philosophy one step further and made... gin. This former bond trader took advantage of being laid off by pursuing... More

If you've got your gear and have learned how to shake and stir properly, it's time to build up that liquor collection. This takes time and money, but the three spirits I've highlighted are worth the initial investment. More