Stir the vegetable juice, ginger ale, vodka, if desired and lime juice in a 2-quart pitcher. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Season the ribs with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the herbs. 2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until crisp, ...