Red alert!

Do the winter blues have you seeing red? Brighten up with Alize’s Operation Redhead II. Alize, makers of cognac beverages infused with fruit juices, will bring 250 lackluster-locked-ladies into the red. Using dyes by Manic Panic, the force behind Gwen Stefani’s neon mane and Christina Aguilera’s wild streaks, a professional colorist will help winners paint the town – and their hair – red. Not red like Lucille Ball, but RED like a stoplight or a fire engine. To help prepare winners for the change of hue, a panel of famous redheads such as Shirley Manson (of Garbage fame), former mall maven Tiffany, fashion designer Betsey Johnson and Kate Pierson of the B-52’s will be on hand. All winners will receive a Manic Panic gift bag full of eye-popping dyes and cosmetics. To enter, send a 3-by-5-inch index card with your name, address, age (you must be 21 to enter), and daytime phone number to: Alize’s Operation Redhead II, P.O. Box 25428, Rochester, NY 14625-5428. Entries must be received by March 31.

Murder on the menu

The York Harbor Inn will have a meal to die for this February as the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater returns. For $42.95 per person, guests will be treated to a gourmet dinner and an evening of interactive entertainment presented by the Maine Theatre Ensemble. For reservations or information, call 363-3119 or visit www.yorkharborinn.com.

Pucker up

The Appletini is making the Cosmopolitan green with envy. It’s still cool to be in the pink with your drink, but sour apple martinis have been spotted in the hands of such celebrities as Robert DeNiro and Chris Rock, and have edged Cosmos off the top of the drink list at trendy Manhattan bars, according to DeKuyper, makers of Pucker Sour Apple Schnapps. To make one at home, mix two parts vodka with one part sour apple schnapps, mix and garnish with an apple wedge.

Bam!

Kick your food up a notch with Emeril’s Essence, a line of seasoning blends to add a burst of flavor to your food. Developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, of Food Network fame, the essences are available in four varieties: Original, Southwest, Asian and Italian, For information, visit www.bgfoods.com.