It turns out that the old saw about people drinking their troubles away in bad times--and boosting bar business--isn't true. Liquor sales lately have moved in step with the economy, which explains why so many attendees are driven to drink here at the annual bar-industry trade show in Las Vegas. With business stagnant at nightclubs, taverns, and restaurant and hotel bars, this is an industry thirsty for a new sensation.
Next Big Things come and go--remember dry beer, "malternative" beverages and low-cal cream liqueurs?--but the industry has very high hopes for one ongoing craze: from chocolate vodka to tequila-and-lime-spiked rum to...