3 Pear-Infused Cocktails For That Subtle Autumnal Fruity Flavour
If you’re looking to add a subtle sweetness to your autumn cocktails, infusing pears in your drinks can make for an ideal choice. As fruits, pears have a mild flavour that integrates really well with a variety of spirits (light and dark), providing complexity and a depth of flavour that doesn’t overwhelm the other components of the beverage.
Pear-infused drinks bring a gentle, natural sweetness to autumn cocktails. The variety of pear that’s used in the infusion will majorly impact the flavour, with Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc being commonly used types.
Bartlett pears offer a sweet, floral taste, while Anjou pears have a balanced sweetness about them, and Bosc pears provide a richer and deeper overall flavour. Selecting pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch will ensure that there’s a balance of sweetness and acidity in your infusion and subsequently your cocktail.
To begin the process of infusion, wash the pears thoroughly and then slice them into thin wedges, leaving the skin on to add a certain depth of flavour. Remember to remove the seeds and core to prevent bitterness.
For a 500ml infusion, use 2-3 medium-sized pears (about 300-350 grams). Let the pears infuse in the spirit for anywhere between 5-7 days, depending on the intensity of flavour that you desire. Remember to stir the mix gently once a day, as well as frequently taste the infusion to achieve your desired flavour.
Pear-Infused Vodka Martini Cocktail
Bartlett pears are the best for vodka infusions, as they bring in a sweet and floral element to the overall taste.
Add 45 ml of pear-infused vodka, 15 ml of dry vermouth, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture well and strain it into a chilled martini cocktail glass.
Garnish your drink with a thin pear slice for a simple, clean finish.
Pear Ginger Whisky Sour
Bosc pears are the best for whisky infusions, as they bring a deep and rich flavour to the overall taste.
Combine 60ml of pear-infused whisky, 30ml of fresh lemon juice, 15 ml of ginger syrup, and 10 ml of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with copious amounts of ice.
Shake the mix vigorously and then strain it into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist and serve chilled.
Spiced Pear Gin Fizz
Anjou pears are the best for gin infusions, as they bring a balanced sweetness to the overall taste.
Mix 50ml of pear-infused gin, 15 ml of fresh lime juice, 10 ml of cinnamon syrup (made by simmering equal parts water, sugar, and a cinnamon stick), and 15 ml of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain the mix into a highball glass filled with ice, then top it off with 100ml of soda.
Stir gently and garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick or a pear slice.
Do remember, like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Drink and serve responsibly!
