Spice It Up

If you infuse high-proof vodka with spices and call it gin, trendy mixologists will beat a path to your door. Do the same with rum, and they usually beat a path to the exit. Truth be told, the Caribbean compatriots of rum and spice have been mixed together in hot drinks and punches since at least the late 17th century. And the combination has been a bar staple since the creation of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum in 1983. It is currently the third best-selling spirits brand in America.

Now a bounty of new spiced rums are adding diversity to this suddenly booming category. Rather than cola or ginger ale, we’d suggest enjoying them neat or with your favorite tonic. After all, at their best these complex spirits are the closest rum comes to being gin.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum ($18)

This amber rum, with big aromas of caramel and crème brûlée, pays homage to tattoo artist Norman Collins, A.K.A. Sailor Jerry. It’s rich and creamy on the palate, with a complex sweetness of maple syrup and molasses and a hit of cinnamon on the finish.

SNAP!

A delicious gingersnappy spirit! From the Art In The Age of Mechanical Reproduction guys that brought us ROOT! Here's a recipe for Ginger Rye!

Inspired Water: Filters Fast: "How to Choose a Water Pitcher Filter"

With the multitude of water filters out today, deciding which one to buy can seem overwhelming. Thanks to the water and air filter mavens from FiltersFast.com, you can now simplify your shopping experience with their “How to Choose a Water Pitcher Filter” guide, featuring the MAVEA Elemaris .

Read their article here to learn three important factors to consider before choosing your water filter.

After-Work Drinks

Good Life

Nothing about this architectural gem in Downtown Crossing is buttoned-down Boston. Formerly a Sinatra-esque lounge, Good Life is now a great dance spot, with local DJs spinning drum and bass for an audience of hoodies, tats and neckties. The fashion-conscious flock here for Martinis and Makeover night. Those just looking to decompress can grab a 'Gansett, or escape to the downstairs bar, which serves more than 100 kinds of vodka.

Beer Review

BEER REVIEW : NARRAGANSETT LAGER. Posted on July 6, 2010 by Derek. I’m a semi-snob when it comes to beer and quite frankly I prefer drinking beer from a bottle rather than a can. Whether there is actually a discernible taste difference I …

Beer Review: Narragansett Lager

I’m a semi-snob when it comes to beer and quite frankly I prefer drinking beer from a bottle rather than a can.  Whether there is actually a discernible taste difference I really don’t know but TO ME, I think that beer from a bottle tastes much better than beer from a can (with the exception of Guinness with the nitrogen widget.)  However, I thoroughly enjoy trying new and different beers, including microbrews, foreign beers, and new-to-the-market mass-produced beers.