But in the short term the only bright spots were America and in France, where a campaign to promote cognac as a long drink (with tonic, which is not, unlike soda water or ginger ale, really a natural accompaniment) raised sales for the second year running.

ECONOMIST: Spirits

She put great effort into the smallest details, from the pitcher of mint-infused water to the homemade date-and-ginger tea served at the end of the meal.

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The water is fringed by ferny groves and pond-dotted gardens that nurture azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, ginger lilies and endangered cycad trees.

BBC: The adventure playground of the Azores