Sardi's Bar Guide

Whether dazzling others with one's finesse or preparing a single hot toddy for a chilly autumn evening, this handy guide can help. The enduring classics are here, such as the sidecar, Manhattan, mint julep, rusty nail, hot buttered rum and Cuba libre. Also presented, although occasionally with some ambivalence, are the newcomers: Long Island iced tea, Harvey Wallbanger, godfather and Girl Scout cookie. Wine-based beverages include vineyard sunrise (a version of tequila sunrise), sherry eggnog, mulled wine, kir and lemon chummer. Ginger-ale mint julep, papaya creamsicle, clamdigger's cocktail (with clam juice) and chaste champagne (with grape juice) are nonalcoholic drinks. Supporting information contains a glossary of ingredients, a list of basic bar tools, suggestions for stocking a rather substantial home bar and a history of Sardi's that is not above self-approbation. Considering the restaurant's closenessnot just physicalto Manhattan theater, name-dropping is minimal, although there is the Chita Rivera margarita and the Gwen Verdon iced tea. (Oct.)