My Irish Grandmother

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I find myself thinking about my sweet Irish grandmother. She, and my grandfather, came by boat to the States in the late 1920’s. They both came through Ellis Island and settled in New Jersey; where they met, married, and raised five boys. My grandmother would host afternoon teas for the other Irish and Scottish immigrants who lived close by. This social time gave them an opportunity to share news from home, catch up with one another and, welcome those who had recently arrived. This traditional gathering continues, with her granddaughters and their friends. We gather now for “Girls nights out” with ‘tinis instead of tea. So for her, and all the other Irish women who established new lives here in the States, I raise a toast…Slainte..

Recipe for Green Tea Martini

Ice
1 ounce green tea, chilled
2 ounces citron vodka
1 teaspoon Cointreau
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Orange twist

Fill a shaker with ice. Add green tea, vodka, Cointreau and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Simple Syrup
equal parts sugar and water, dissolved and chilled