I’m Canadian born and I became an American citizen in 1997.

My parents and I took our citizenship test together. We aced it. Before I left the exam room, and thanks to my parents’ proud announcement that I was a music student and singer, I was signed up to perform at the coming citizenship ceremony.

I had no idea that the room of people I’d be singing “America the Beautiful” to would be from countries across the globe and that my song would move them in the ways it did. To become American was the greatest moment of most of our lives, and in that song we were united, despite the dozens of nationalities, religions and races present. We were American.

It has been my honor to vote in every election since I became a citizen; especially this last one.

One of the things I love about living in NYC is that I get to work and live in the melting pot that is this nation!

Here’s an American-made cocktail to celebrate Democracy!

The Immigrant Manhattan

Ingredients

1 ounce Japanese Whiskey

1/2 ounce Reposado Tequila (Mexican Whiskey)

1/2 ounce American Rye Whiskey

1 ounce Italian Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish: Italian Luxardo Cherries

Method

1. Pour the whiskies, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass 2/3 filled with ice cubes.

2. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with cherries.