Streamlined Cocktails

Once upon a time, a host had to have a full bar of spirits to satisfy every taste. But you don't feel compelled to provide a full menu of entree choices, so why not take the same approach with alcohol?

Good vodka makes a perfect base for a small range of cocktails. Settle on three types: fruit, chocolate/mint and spice, a broad enough span to entertain every palate.

For fruit cocktails, use fresh strawberries, pomegranate seeds, lime or other favorites. Crush the fruit pulp and experiment with various concentrations with the vodka before game time. Adjust with sugar, herbs or spices as you like.

Cocktails with chocolate and mint accents are easy. Use a chocolate liqueur such as creme de cacao and mix with vodka, accenting with stingy drops of mint extract. Dust the rim of the glass with powdered cocoa and garnish with a Hershey's Kiss or a mint leaf.

Spicy cocktails are fun and make good use of chopped chili peppers or chili powder. Make a racy Bloody Mary by substituting Old Bay Seasoning for pepper, or combine lime juice with hot peppersauce and blend it into a pitcher of vodka.

Having a good bottle of vodka means you can always make a vodka martini. Unlike a Cosmo, that never goes out of style.

-- Dick Rosano