Spec Cocktails: March Indulgences

The American Dietetic Association would like you to know that March brings the celebration of National Nutrition Month, a nationwide campaign to encourage Americans to make informed, healthy food choices as the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition allows you get the most out of life.

We at the food section, however, bring you recipes that represent a grassroots movement to educate Columbians about the basics of blissfully, emphatically empty calories. They're classic aperitifs, meant to stimulate and not overwhelm the appetite. Any fruit garnishes are not intended to be used as vitamin sources.

Leap Year Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. gin

1/2 oz. Grand Marnier

1/2 oz. sweet vermouth

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Shake over ice, strain into chilled glass.

Americano

2 oz. sweet vermouth

2 oz. Campari

Cold club soda

Pour vermouth, Campari into chilled glass with ice. Add soda, stir gently, and garnish with lemon or orange slice.

Manhattan

2 oz. whiskey, rye or bourbon

3/4 - 1 oz. sweet vermouth

1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Maraschino cherry

Stir with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. Or, pour first three into old-fashioned glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with cherry.

Rob Roy

Follow Manhattan recipe, replacing rye or bourbon with Scotch.

Martini

2 oz. gin or vodka

1/2 - 1 oz. dry vermouth

Olive or lemon twist

Shake with ice; strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish.

B.V.D.

1 oz. light rum

1 oz. gin

1 oz. dry vermouth

Stir with ice; strain into chilled glass.

Bronx Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. gin

1/2 oz. sweet vermouth

1/2 oz. dry vermouth

Splash orange juice

Orange slice

Shake over ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass or serve over ice in old-fashioned glass. Garnish with orange slice.

Sidecar

1-2 oz. brandy

3/4 oz. Cointreau or Triple Sec

1/2 oz. lemon juice

Shake over ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass.