Maybe they think if you're drunk enough...

... you'll forget that smoking kills you.

Cigarette Maker Pours It On Strong in Promo

The first present Kellen Cox received on her 24th birthday was a set of six drink coasters that came in the mail - each bearing the recipe of an exotic cocktail.

One concoction, the Crazy Bootlegger, called for a shot each of Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort and Sambuca. "Mix three shots together over ice, then make sure you're sitting," the coaster urged.

The gift giver was no friend, or even a liquor company. It was tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds, promoting its Camel brand of cigarettes by sending the coasters as birthday presents to people in their 20s. The marketing campaign is drawing fire from state authorities and liquor distillers.

Critics say the coasters are part of a grass-roots marketing campaign to associate Camel cigarettes with trendy cocktails - and encourage young people to drink. California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer on Tuesday joined his counterparts in Maryland and New York, along with the alcoholic beverage industry, in condemning the campaign.

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