...Smith & Vine in Brooklyn, N.Y., is one of many stores around the country taking advantage of recent changes in state laws that now allow them to serve free samples of spirits to customers. Other liquor stores are doing everything from demonstrating how to sautée shrimp in vodka to throwing Caribbean-themed parties complete with rum samples and island music.

Liquor laws vary widely state-by-state. In some states, only liquor stores are permitted to provide free tastes of distilled spirits, while in others only bars and restaurants can host a tasting.

...Today, 23 states plus Washington, D.C., allow liquor-store sampling.