A toast to the Old Sod with the Shamrock-tini

St. Patrick's Day is traditionally the day to raise a pint of beer or make a toast with Irish whiskey. The Shamrock-tini is tradition with a twist, a stylish concoction as bright and fresh as Conemarra after a spring shower -- and a mite more tasteful than green beer.

It's made with Van Gogh melon vodka, which is imported from Holland. (Don't let that put you off. Around St. Patrick's Day, everybody is a wee bit Irish.) Melon, a ripe blend of honeydew and cantaloupe, is one of 16 flavored vodkas produced by Van Gogh, ranging from smooth vanilla to assertive double espresso, the first FDA-approved vodka to include caffeine.

Van Gogh has more than 8,000 recipes on its Web site, http://www.vangoghvodka.com/, to give you ideas on how to get started. Here's how to mix a Shamrock-tini:

1 1/2 oz. melon vodka
1 oz. melon liqueur
Splash of orange juice

Pour the vodka, liqueur (such as Midori) and orange juice into a cocktail shaker. Add crushed ice and let stand for 5 seconds. Then shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an orange slice, although a twist also will do nicely. Serve to thunderous applause.