Booze Newz: The Art of Drinking

Vodka has stepped out of Siberia and into the disco, reports OMMA magazine, which highlights Smirnoff (and its recently-wrapped global Nightlife Exchange Project), its Diageo sibling Ciroc, and the new Wódka vodka brand as brands getting their boogie on. (We'd add Britain's vodka vixens and Sweden's Kanon organic vodka to that list).

Besides music, art and alcohol are a natural fit. Absolut vodka has also partnered with New York artist Krink to create 15 individual custom-designed bottles using Krink's signature ink in black, white and silver.

Martell cognac also just collaborated with modern architect Jean Nouvel to create the Martell Amber Lamp, 50 of which will be produced and installed in venues such as art galleries around the globe.

In another twist on the booze-art motif, Bombay Sapphire and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation announced the winners of its Artisan Series: Washington, D.C. photographer Stan Squirewell and Miami artist Jorge Cavalier. Both artists will show their work at the Rush Arts Gallery in New York City from Jan. 13 to 27.

Meanwhile, Kahlua celebrates the art of intimate conversation with its "Delicioso Night In" promotion encouraging consumers to get cosy with Kahlua at home.

Some might say that making good beer is certainly an art, and the forecast is looking good for the U.S. craft beer industry, new research from Mintel shows.