SHINY, HAPPY COCKTAILS

When thinking of a springtime spirit, Courvoisier may not be the first one on the list. But its manufacturer is introducing a couple of seasonal recipes more suited for the great outdoors than a dimly lit hip-hop club. The CV Wink mixes Courvoisier VSOP with creme de banana, and pineapple and lemon juices. If that doesn't get a hardened rapper in touch with his feminine side, then maybe the CV Josephine will. Peach schnapps, strawberry syrup and lemon juice join VSOP. Warning: May cause loss of street cred.

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The CV WINK 2 1/4 oz. Courvoisier VSOP 1 1/2 oz. creme de banana 3 oz. pineapple juice Splash of fresh lemon juice Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well for 10 seconds. Strain into a large, chilled martini glass. Garnish with small pineapple wedge. The CV JOSEPHINE 2 1/4 oz. Courvoisier VSOP 3/4 oz. Peach schnapps Splash of strawberry syrup Splash of lemon juice Tonic water Mix all ingredients and stir. Top with tonic and serve in a stemmed glass.

MELON FIESTA

Cinco de Mayo is less than a month away. So, it's not too soon to start stockpiling margarita recipes. The folks at Cuervo have more of those than Buford Highway has Mexican restaurants. Its Watermelon Margarita includes a cup of fresh watermelon blended with margarita or sour mix and Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila. Sugar replaces salt on the rim of the glass.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? Best deal? Smoothest bartender? Fill us in on your swingin' cocktails: access@ajc.com.