The Bum is often asked why he spends so much time and effort measuring, mixing, garnishing and guzzling exotic drinks. His usual reply is a slurred, “Well, I’m not in it for my health.” In this, as in so many other things, he just might be wrong: A new study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture suggests that fruity cocktails are good for you. Apparently alcohol boosts the antioxidants (chemicals that fend off cancer and heart disease) found in berries. “Dr. Korakot Chanjirakul and colleagues at Kasetsart University in Thailand and scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture stumbled upon their finding unexpectedly,” reported Reuters last week. “They were exploring ways to help keep strawberries fresh during storage” by mixing the berries with ethanol — which happens to be one of the components of rum. Their conclusion: Any dark-colored fruit “might be made even more healthful with the addition of a splash of alcohol.” Now if you’ll excuse us, we have some limes to paint.