It should be in the back of my discussions here that one should act responsibly, whether imbibing or entertaining. I know that has a pro-forma feel to it, like those “Drink Responsibly” tags at the bottom of those liquor ads telling people to drink all night. And, true enough, I have a libertine streak that values alcohol as part of social life, diet and leisure time. But that’s the thing, it should be integrated into the fabric of a well-rounded diet and lifestyle. If there’s anything I argue for here it’s for that European sensibility, if you will (European because Prohibition killed much of it in the US). Caring for quality spirits and enjoying the taste of what you drink will not prevent you from drinking too much or driving drunk, of course, but it is a step away from the hedonism of alcopops, PGA slurries and luge shooters. Cocktails get us drunk, but fine drinking should be a world away from getting trashed.

So use best judgment. Remember, too, that Massachusetts is a state with social host laws. If you’re entertaining, you’re responsible for guests’ behavior afterward.