What’s a better way to get into the spirit of fall than with a freshly-concocted autumn cocktail? The right answer is, there IS no better way. And while summer will forever be linked to fresh-fruit cocktails and citrusy flavors, we have a great fall drink recipe that features the delicious taste of pear. Check out the below recipe for the Spiced Pear Collins (makes one cocktail, so multiply ingredients as needed for friends!):
INGREDIENTS:
1½ oz. gin
1½ oz. pear puree
¾ oz. rosemary- and clove-infused simple syrup
¾ oz. lemon juice
Dry sparkling wine or soda water (to top)
1 spring rosemary (to garnish)
FOR THE PEAR PUREE:
2 pears, peeled and pitted
1½ oz. lemon juice
1½ tsp. fresh rosemary
FOR THE ROSEMARY & CLOVE SIMPLE SYRUP
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 oz. whole cloves
3 sprigs rosemary
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make the simple syrup: Combine the sugar, water, cloves, and rosemary in a saucepan over low heat. When it reaches a boil, remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and store in the refrigerator until use. This will yield enough syrup for approximately 5 cocktails.
2. Make the puree: Slice the pears and combine with lemon juice and rosemary in a blender. Blend until smooth; gently strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard any solids. You will have roughly 1 cup of puree, which makes about 5 cocktails.
3. Combine the puree, syrup, lemon juice, and gin in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Pour into a High Ball or Rocks glass and top with a small splash of sparkling wine or soda water. Garnish with rosemary and serve.
Enjoy and happy fall!