Outbound: up close

• Ever wonder what your favourite drinks look like under a microscope? Wonder no more.
• Scotland's difficult relationship with alcohol.
• Two interesting notes from Robert Simonson - Bombay Sapphire extend their range for 2010/11; the number of kosher single malts is up by two - to two.
• Great post from American Drink on where the bartender fits into our lives.
• And finally, England's secret weapon in their World Cup Campaign? Beer. It's been so effective, they're going to try it against the Germans.

Outbound: try saying it when you're drunk

• Anyone who's entered a cocktail competition knows how hard naming a drink is. Apparently, that makes a subject worthy of the New York Times.
• If there's one thing bartenders love, it's setting things on fire. Unfortunately, in the 21st Century, that might get you sued - or arrested.
• The not-strictly-bar-related section: Apple juice improve behaviour in Alzheimer's sufferers; How to fuel a city; If you're going to the World Cup, you better be supporting the right beer (and not misusing your personal allocation of free tickets).
• Who invented the cocktail? Clue: it's not who you think it is. Also, Wondrich has new book coming out.