Channeling Grandma

Mom & Curly, with her Vodka Collins

This past weekend, Scott and I went to Lake Tahoe to spend the weekend. Our friends Gary and Naomi got married on Saturday, and Scott and I took advantage of their celebration to spend some time gambling, skiing and relaxing.

Any time I am at a casino, I think about my grandmother, Della Cederburg. Some might think that is a strange correlation, but my grandmother was a lot of fun, and she LOVED to have a good time. When I went to school in Santa Barbara, I would drive up & pick her up in Lone Pine on our way to visit my Aunt Donna's in Bridgeport. Often, we would take a drive up to Carson City, and put some money in the machines. On one of these trips, she ordered me my first real drink - a vodka collins. (My parents would not have approved, but Grandma always did what she wanted).

I was 'channeling' my grandmother this weekend, playing the Wheel of Fortune machine, the penny slots and video poker. And to carry it through the weekend, I thought I would make a Vodka Collins in her honor. Grandma, we miss you and we think of you often!

Della's Vodka Collins

1 part vodka
1/3 part lemon juice (in this one, you can used bottled juice if you would like)
1/3 part simple syrup
club soda

Fill a martini shaker with ice
Add vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup.
Fill tall 'collins glass' with ice (these are just tall, skinny glasses).
Pour contents of martini shaker over ice
Fill remainder of glass with club soda, and stir
Garnish with maraschino cherry & straw

The first batch I made of these, I took a shortcut & used lemonade. Don't make the same mistake! You need the strength of the fresh lemon & simple syrup to off-set the dilution of the club soda. Remember, you can also makes these sweeter or more sour by adjusting the ratio of lemon juice and syrup, so feel free to experiment. Finally - do not buy Collins or sour mix - these will taste much better & you can control the sweetness much more effectively.

If you decide to make these - and you should, because it is the perfect drink for spring - raise your glass and toast Della. We did!

Luck O' the Irish

So, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I would talk about using Irish Whiskey. If you have ever been to Ireland, you know that the Irish take both their Whiskey and their Guinness very seriously. In fact, don't try to order a Black & Tan (half Guinness half Harp) because they will look at you like you are crazy.

On my trip, I made it to the Jameson distillery, which is just outside of Cork. As with all good 'liquor tours' it ends in a tasting, and I developed an appreciation for good Irish Whiskey. I also came home from Ireland, fully loaded with crystal glasses (which I will break out tonight to enjoy a Jameson in), and more whiskey than I could technically bring back into the country (don't tell customs). I also learned to order a 'Hot Irish' while there, which is a drink we will cover when it is a bit colder outside!

Last night my friend Regina came over for a little advance St. Patrick's Day fun. I decided to make Irish Whiskey Sours, as it has been really warm here, and I wanted something a little lighter than a traditional whiskey usually tastes. I did use fresh squeezed lemon juice, but bottle juice would work in a pinch.

Irish Whiskey Sours

2 part Jameson Irish Whiskey (or any Irish Whiskey)
1/2 part lemon juice (fresh is better)
1/2 part simple syrup (remember this is equal parts sugar & water if you want to make it, or you can buy at Trader Joe's pre-made)

Fill a martini shaker with ice
Add the ingredients, shake well
Pour into martini glasses (makes 2 drinks)
Garnish with a thin slice of orange

You might be tempted to buy pre-made sour mix. Don't! It is too sugary & too artificial, and making your own 'sour' is so simple & much fresher. You can also always make simple syrup in advance, and after cooling keep in a container in your refrigerator.

This is super simple to make, and I am sure St. Patrick would approve. Slainte!