If you're like me, you're busy this month stocking up on delicious beverages so you can sip your way to a warm 'n' toasty contentment. Personally, I can't imagine my holidays being complete without these cold-weather favorites. Follow the link to look at a horrible, horrible picture and see what I'll be using to put some roses in my cheeks this Xmas: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a9.....ritsofXmas.jpg

1) Oronoco Rum. One of my faves, it's crisp, sweet and has a nice 'sugarcane' overtone, making it perfect for mixing up froo-froo holiday cocktails.

2) Cointreau. Any time a drink recipe calls for triple sec, try substituting this delicious, bittersweet orange liqueur. It also makes an awesome margarita, if you're planning a Caribbean Christmas this year.

3) Anchor Steam 2007 Christmas Ale. The recipe is slightly different every year (as is the picture on the label). This year's blend is spicy, rich and goes down perfectly before, during and after a prime rib dinner.

4) Bowmore 15-Year Scotch. A fine example of Islay style whisky, which is characterized by a smoky, peaty richness that's nicely enhanced by a hint of sea salt. You can actually taste the ocean breeze coming in off of the waters of Loch Indaal in every sip.

5) No. 209. Quintuple-distilled in San Francisco and bursting with juniper, licorice and coriander, it's my new favorite gin. Either served straight up (and icy cold) or mixed into a martini, this stuff is everything that's good about gin.

6) Vya. Speaking of martinis, this swanky vermouth is exactly what you'll need to blend up a perfect gin cocktail to ring in the new year with. It's double the price of most other labels but well worth it.

7) Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. A delicious winter brew with a perfect balance of hoppy goodness and a toasty, faintly chocolatey flavor.

8) McCormick's Platte Valley Corn Whiskey. That's right, it's good old fashioned corn mash whiskey like they don't hardly make no more. Unlike bathtub moonshine, though, this stuff is sweet and smooth, and has an appealing 'candy corn' flavor.

9) Johnny Walker Gold Label. Not to knock the Black Label, but once you've had this stuff it's kind of hard to go back.

10) Christmas Beaver.

11) Johnny Walker Blue Label. Not to knock the Gold Label, but good lord this is the smoothest and most sippin'-est whiskey I've ever had.

12) Bols Advocaat. When you're tired of egg nog, reach for a bottle of this thick, delicious liqueur. It's made of egg yolks, cream and spices, and it tastes like vanilla brandy custard.

13) Pepto Bismol. Yes.