MONARCH LOUNGE'S SCORPION ZINGER

I headed to Hotel ZaZa's Monarch Lounge (5701 Main, 713-527-1800) to hang with some rich, beautiful people and spend my hard-earned money on really expensive cocktails. I passed the entrance to the bar in search of an ATM and noticed lots of hotel employees checking people out before they could enter the lounge. I wondered if I had to prove I was rich or beautiful enough, but I ended up waltzing right into the packed bar, where I ordered the Scorpion Zinger from one of the frazzled bartenders. And that's when I saw the Private Party sign. How fun! I hadn't crashed a party since college, when I attended a sorority bash uninvited and literally crashed on the sofa. Munching on the free hors d'oeuvres and savoring my free drink, I figured out the party was being thrown for the Meeting Professionals International group. It was their last day in town, and these conventioneers were whooping it up. Joining in as Judy from Chicago, I discussed the merits of Houston as a destination for our clients, received quite a few business cards and apologized that I had given all my cards out. Not wanting to blow my new identity, I told my new friends I had an early flight, grabbed one more crab puff and committed to seeing everyone at the next event in London.

1 ounce Belvedere vodka

1/2 ounce Cointreau liqueur

Splash of Chambord liqueur

Fresh lime juice

Mix vodkas, Cointreau and lime juice with ice. Shake well. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Finish with a splash of Chambord.