A SPLASH OF SPRING

Spirits simply celebrates the rites of spring by sipping cocktails on metro Atlanta patios. Now we have another one to choose from. Mosaic (3097 Maple Drive, Atlanta) recently opened its outdoor dining area. And guests are cheering the weather with the restaurant's signature Key Lime Martini. Licor 43, vanilla vodka, and half and half swirl together in a chilled martini glass.

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'RITA TO REMEMBER

Local caterer Affairs to Remember already has Cinco de Mayo on the brain. Spicy and sour collide in its Serrano-rita. Planning a fiesta? Chop six Serrano peppers and steep them overnight in 1 liter of tequila. About an hour before party time, strain the pepper seeds from the tequila. Combine the tequila with 12 ounces of triple sec and 24 ounces of lemon or lime juice. Chill for an hour, then get ready to pour. It's enough for 12 to 18 drinks. Affairs recommends salting the rim of each glass with kosher salt.

DRINK LIKE A CELEB

Celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell regularly haunt Indochine, a New York hot spot. But you don't need to trade the big peach for the Big Apple to drink like the beautiful people. Just try the recipe for the Indochine Martini, a new addition to the restaurant's menu. Get some fresh ginger and slice up some pineapple, then soak both in a container with vodka. Chill the mixture overnight. Then shake together 1 1/2 ounces of the vodka, 1 ounce of triple sec, 3/4 of an ounce of fresh lime juice and a splash of pineapple juice. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a mint leaf. Feeling pretty yet?

— Jon Waterhouse