BY GWEN KENNEALLY
Jews light Hanukkah candles to remember the Maccabees’ victory and the miracle of the oil that burnt for eight days in the holy Temple. It is a mitzvah (good deed) that Jews “publicize the miracle” by lighting a Hanukkah Menorah each night during the eight days of Hanukkah.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle is lit on the far right side of the menorah. A candle is added, from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars become visible in the night sky. While the candles are being lit a blessing is being spoken. It is usually followed buy a meal with friends and family. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight. And as they did the previous evenings, the candles will continue to shine until they burn themselves out.
This cocktail was created to celebrate the lighting of the menorah and the other Hanukkah festivities. There is really no nonalcoholic version so I recommend a nice blueberry or blackberry cider in a festive glass. You can order from Abbot Farms http://www.abbottfarmsonline.com/ciders.php. Enjoy these drinks and the beauty of the festival of lights.
Menorah Martini
Ingredients:
3-ounces vodka
½ ounce sweet vermouth
Splash Blue Curacao
Blueberries for garnish
Chill and rim 2 martini glasses with sugar.
Mix it:
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Pour in vodka and sweet vermouth.
Shake and strain into the martini glasses.
Splash with Blue Curacao.
Garnish with a few blueberries
Gwen Kenneally is the owner of Back to the Kitchen, Full Service Catering and Party Planning. Check out her website and blog www.Backtothekitchen.net and www.gwenkenneally.blogspot.com
About Karen Young
