This Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail is a refreshing drink that blends sweet pears, spicy ginger, and smooth bourbon. It’s a perfect sipper for cozy nights with friends or family!
I love how this drink gives off warm autumn vibes, even in summer! Just mix, shake, and enjoy a little taste of happiness in a glass. Cheers to tasty adventures! 🍐🥃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: This cocktail shines with bourbon’s rich sweetness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use rye whiskey, which has a spicier edge. For a non-alcoholic version, try a ginger ale base instead!
Pear Juice: Fresh pear juice gives the best taste. However, you can easily substitute it with apple juice if pears aren’t available. It’s still delicious! Just ensure it’s unsweetened for balance.
Ginger Syrup: Making this syrup at home adds flavor, but you could use store-bought ginger syrup or even ginger ale in a pinch. Just adjust the sweetness in the cocktail accordingly!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. If you’re in a bind, bottled lemon juice will work too, but fresh is always better for taste!
How Do I Make the Ginger Syrup Perfectly?
Creating the ginger syrup is key for this cocktail. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Combine water, sugar, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps the ginger flavor infuse nicely.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before straining out the ginger slices. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor you’ll extract!
Store it in the fridge for future cocktails; it lasts for about two weeks!
Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz pear juice (freshly pressed or store-bought, unsweetened)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz ginger syrup (see below for recipe)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pear slices, for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprig, for garnish
For the Ginger Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take about 15 minutes to prepare, including time to make the ginger syrup. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the syrup and another 5 minutes mixing up your refreshing drink. The ginger syrup can be made ahead of time for quicker cocktails in the future!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Ginger Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors together. Afterward, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, strain out the ginger slices and store the syrup in a sealed container in the fridge. This syrup will hold for about two weeks – perfect for future cocktails!
2. Prepare the Cocktail:
Take a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Pour in the bourbon, pear juice, fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of your homemade ginger syrup. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture well until it’s chilled and combined, about 15-20 seconds.
3. Assemble and Serve:
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. This will make for a refreshing and cool cocktail. Now, it’s time to make it pretty! Garnish your drink with thin slices of pear and a sprig of fresh thyme for that aromatic touch. You can secure the garnish with a cocktail pick if you like.
4. Enjoy!
Serve your Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail immediately, sit back, and enjoy the lovely flavors of sweet pear, spicy ginger, and rich bourbon. Cheers!
Can I Use Other Types of Whiskey Instead of Bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon gives the cocktail its classic sweet flavor, you can use rye whiskey for a spicier kick or even a smooth Canadian whiskey if you prefer something lighter.
How Can I Store Leftover Ginger Syrup?
Store any leftover ginger syrup in a sealed container in the fridge. It will keep well for about two weeks, making it handy for future cocktail creations or even adding to tea!
What Can I Substitute for Pear Juice?
If you don’t have pear juice, apple juice works great as a substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the cocktail.
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While the cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ginger syrup and juice in advance. Just mix the ingredients right before serving for the best taste. Enjoying the drink over fresh ice elevates the experience!