Los Angeles is a fast-paced place. There’s always a ton of action to enjoy: openings, tastings, festivals, concerts. In a city the size of a small European country, how can you be expected to keep track of everything going on? We’re here to help with a round-up of all things booze during this beautiful last week of May…

May is National Strawberry Month, naturally. What better of a way to honor everyone’s favorite bright, red fruit than with beer? In the springtime, an avalanche of fruit-flavored beer hits the shelves. Strawberry ales and lagers are not rare, but are rarely done well. Here are a few bottled varieties worthy of toasting in observance of the month-long celebration.

Add some curiosity to your next cocktail with zesty, ginger liqueur. The peppery-essence of this spiced spirit makes it perfect for mixing into a host of complex concoctions. There aren’t many distilleries producing it these days, but here I present to you a couple of the best…

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is in full swing this weekend as the city of New York hosts the annual celebration of spirited culture.

The Windy City. Be here now. The weather is fantastic, spirits are bright, craft beer is flowing freely and Abe Froman is still the Sausage King. But you should be more concerned about the Alpha King this week–the flagship pale ale from Three Floyds Brewing Company. Let’s get this party started.

You wanna guarantee yourself a great meal? Beeline to one of the most highly-acclaimed restaurants in town, sit down with a James Beard award-winning chef and have them describe the dishes and cocktails for you while you dine. Does it get any better than that? If you’re sitting across from chef Stephen Stryjewski at New Orleans’ inimitable Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St) the answer is an emphatic ‘no.’

The sunny hills of Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley are known for full-bodied Cabs and rich, earth-laden Merlots. One glass of Alexander Valley Vineyards’ 2011 Chardonnay might make you reconsider your regional expectations.

Marvin Allen has seen it all. As head bartender at one of the premiere bars in the French Quarter, can you imagine the stories he has to tell? If you want elaboration, you’ll have to make your way to the Carousel Bar (214 Royal St) in New Orleans’ historic Hotel Monteleone. As for now, I’ll just tell you about the cocktails.