apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

1. The Times' illustrious tasting panel skips beer and liquor for... soft drinks?
The best root beers in the land - on tap here.
2. The blender's back in the spotlight
Most bartenders loathe the blender and its lineup of fruity, silly drinks. But a few bars are bringing back blended drinks that are worth a second sip.
3. A pattern for sours from the Minimalist
Mark Bittman helps us master a basic pattern for nearly every classic cocktail you can imagine.
4. Croque-Monsieur!
But it's not all just drinks - there's good bar food too, including the ultimate sandwich to pair with drinks.
5. Aged beer?
Cellars - they're not just for wine, apparently!

Related: Last week's Times Top 5: Green Garlic and Banana Popsicles

(Top image: Tony Cenicola for the New York Times)