You wouldn't know it, what with the wind and the cold and the February sun mocking you with its utter lack of real warmth - where do you write a letter to complain about the sun? - but we're creeping ever closer to springtime; thus, we need to adjust our cocktail habits accordingly.

So get your fill of gut-warming stouts (see the neighboring blurb for more info) now, while the weather and your wintry mindset demand them. Soon it will be time for a refreshing Greyhound.

Not the slender canine, mind you, although they make fine companions. Rather, we mean the simple-yet-classic vodka drink that might have been invented to enjoy on a veranda. A Greyhound contains the following:

* 2 ounces vodka (your choice, but avoid any of the flavored varieties)

* 5 ounces grapefruit juice

Pour the vodka and grapefruit juice into a glass, highball or Collins, over ice, stir and serve. If you mix it with gin instead and salt the rim, it's a Salty Dog, which is just as delicious.