Though we delved into how to stock a home bar on a budget in a previous post, finding ways to stretch your booze budget is always worth discussing.  Imbibe Magazine is out with some specific recommendations on alcohol to consider if you (like most of us) want to stock your bar with a useful selection of spirits but aren’t ready to commit a couple months’ pay to do it.
The author recommends a few brands for each alcohol category.  The suggestions stay away from some of the more expensive, top-shelf brands …

If you are looking for a new cocktail to add to your tiki arsenal this summer, this month’s Esquire has one recommendation: the Spinnaker Swizzle.  This tiki cocktail recipe features bitters and Grand Marnier, if those happen to be twists that delight your palate.
Combine in a tall (12- to 16-oz) glass:

1 ½ oz aged, light-bodied rum (such as Cruzan Single Barrel or Flor de Caña 7-year-old)
1 oz Linie Aquavit
½ oz Grand Marnier
½ oz rich simple syrup (made by stirring 1 cup demerara or other raw sugar and ½ cup water …