(ChicagoTribune) - U.S. sales of spirits rose 2.7 percent in 2011, an industry trade group said on Monday, citing new products and consumers' thirst for high-end libations such as super-premium vodka. On a revenue basis, sales rose 4 percent, to $19.9 billion, restoring the industry to pre-recession levels, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Also boosting growth were regional legislative changes that allowed for expanded sales of alcoholic drinks.