Newsdesk: you’d be amazed at what we can do

When it first came to prominence, whisky was thought to be the water of life. It’s been a while since then, but it’s still proving to be transformative.

• It can be arty, if you’re willing to face a little price rise and a bit of criticism. It can be misspelt and as easily misunderstood. According to some Australians, it can even be hangover-free.
• In binge drinking news, new research suggests that it’s a coping mechanism adopted back in Viking times and officially not our fault. Other research estimates 1,500 Scots will gain no comfort from the news, having died from alcohol abuse.
• Time for a success story in tough times: Britain’s microbreweries get some love from the Guardian. They’re not the only sector in growth, either – there’s Hong Kong’s roaring wine trade, too.
• If you’re anything like me, you’d have spent the Oscars asleep. If you’re not, you could have tried Gourmet’s themed cocktails, or maybe spent a little more than you’d planned.

Week Eight: Santa Rosita

Yesterday was National Margarita Day in the US, which is as good a reason as any to play around with a bit of tequila. Edinburgh at the tail-end of February might be some way from ideal Margarita-drinking conditions, but we had a rummage around our pile o’ stuff regardless.

Santa Rosita
30ml José Cuervo Tradicional
15ml Cointreau
15ml Rose syrup
60ml lime juice
Rim a martini glass with vanilla sugar. Shake all ingredients with ice and fine-strain into the chilled, rimmed glass.