Fall Bourbon co*cktail with Pears (2024)

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: This recipe stands out with its distinctive blend of pear nectar, spicy bourbon, bubbly ginger ale, and sweet ginger simple syrup, offering a refreshing twist that sets it apart from typical pear co*cktail options.
• Seasonal Appeal: Perfectly tailored for the fall season, this pear drink captures the essence of autumn with its comforting, inviting flavors. The combination of pear and bourbon in particular creates a drink that’s ideal for cozying up on cooler evenings.
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Designed with the home cook and resident co*cktail-shaker in mind, this bourbon fall co*cktail recipe features clear and straightforward instructions. The simple process makes it accessible to those who are new to mixology, ensuring a delicious drink with minimal effort.
• Uniquely Original: Created in 2016, this recipe for pear co*cktails boasts originality and has inspired many attempts at duplication by other food bloggers since its debut. By choosing this recipe, you’re enjoying a time-tested creation while also supporting originality and creativity.

Ingredients for a bourbon fall co*cktail

• Bourbon – You can use whatever bourbon you love. For this mixed drink, I prefer to use liquor that boasts citrus, vanilla, and oak flavors because it complements the flavors in this fall co*cktail.
  • Substitution: If you are fresh out of bourbon, the best substitutes for bourbon in this pear drink are whiskey, brandy, pear brandy, rum, and cognac.
• Pear Juice – You can use either pear juice or pear nectar (pear puree) for this drink recipe. You can locate both in the drink aisle of most grocery stores. However, if you can’t find it, it’s easy to make homemade pear nectar yourself!
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Tart citrus juice balances the fruity, sweet flavors found in this drink.
• Ginger Ale – A touch of bubbly ginger ale lends beautiful effervescence.
  • Substitution – Make your drink more boozy by swapping out the ginger ale for ginger beer.
• Honey: 1/4 cup of honey lends the perfect amount of sweetness to this fall bourbon co*cktail recipe.
• Fresh Ginger: You’ll need one piece of 1-inch ginger root for this drink. (If you need help, you can learn how to peel and slice ginger root here.)
• Water: I prefer filtered, but tap is just fine.
• Garnishes – While entirely optional, co*cktail garnishes are the perfect way to customize your drink. They not only add visual appeal, but they can intensify or complement the flavors of your beverage. I typically garnish this pear co*cktail with some of the following: slices of pear, candied ginger, lemon wheel, fresh sprig of thyme, and /or a cinnamon stick.

Recipe Variations

• Non-Alcoholic Pear Drink – Are you looking for a virgin spiced pear co*cktail recipe? You can use a splash of pure vanilla extract OR a mixture of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to mimic the bourbon. However, make sure you start with a very small amount – do NOT swap the alcohol out in a 1:1 ratio.
• Vodka Pear Martini – Prefer light liquor to dark? Nix the bourbon and use pear vodka, such as Absolut pear vodka, instead. Then transform the co*cktail into a martini by shaking it with ice and straining it into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pear slice for an elegant presentation.
• Spiced Pear Bourbon co*cktail: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the pear co*cktail for an extra layer of warmth and spice. Or, simply use spiced bourbon if you can find it.
• Pear co*cktail with Beer Fizz: Modify the recipe by swapping out the ginger ale for ginger beer.
• Maple Pear Bourbon co*cktail: Substitute the ginger simple syrup with real maple syrup to introduce a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the pear and bourbon flavors perfectly.
• Pear Brandy co*cktail: Swap out bourbon for pear brandy or your favorite fruit-flavored brandy give the co*cktail a unique twist.
• Hot Ginger Pear Bourbon: If you’re looking for a warm co*cktail for chilly fall evenings, this variation is for you. Simply warm the pear juice and bourbon together before mixing the co*cktail. And obviously, skip the ice.

How to make a pear co*cktail

This ginger pear drink is easier than pie to shake together. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Make the Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the combine honey, water and fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the honey dissolves into water, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and set aside to steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a container, discarding ginger. Cover the container and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Shake the Bourbon Fall co*cktail. To a co*cktail shaker, add the bourbon (whiskey), pear juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Vigorously shake until the metal tin is cool to the touch.
3. Pour co*cktail Over Ice. Add ice to the co*cktail glass and then pour the ginger whiskey over the top. Next, pour in enough ginger ale to top off the glass.

4. Garnish your co*cktail glasswith a slice of pear and a lemon twist, peel or wedge. To take your pear ginger co*cktail over the top, skewer a few pieces of crystallized ginger on co*cktail pick to adorn the glass. Enjoy!

Expert tips for the best results!

• Use Quality Ingredients: For the most vibrant and flavorful co*cktail, use fresh pear juice and good brands of alcohol. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste and aroma to lack-luster alternatives.
• Experiment with Bourbon. Different bourbons and whiskeys have varying flavor profiles. Experiment with different brands and ages of bourbon to find one that best complements the pear and ginger flavors AND your tastebuds.
• Shake Vigorously: When mixing these pear co*cktails, shake the ingredients vigorously with ice. This not only chills the drink effectively but also helps to blend the flavors thoroughly. Aim for at least 20 seconds of shaking to achieve a well-balanced mix – the co*cktail shaker should be very cold to the touch when properly shaken. (Note: Do NOT add the ginger ale to the co*cktail shaker!)
• Balance Sweetness and Spice. Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your personal preference. If you like a sweeter ginger pear co*cktail, increase the amount of simple syrup or pear liqueur. For a spicier kick, add more ginger or a dash of ground cinnamon.
• Always make your co*cktails to taste! This goes along with the tip above. But, always be sure to taste your bourbon fall co*cktail before serving to ensure the balance of flavors is to your liking. Adjust the sweetness, spice, or bourbon as needed to achieve the perfect mix.
• Chill Your Glassware: To keep your co*cktail cold and refreshing, chill your glassware in the freezer prior to making the drinks. Or, you can simply fill the glasses with ice water to chill them, just dump the ice water before using.
• co*cktail garnish: Enhance the visual appeal and aroma of your autumn co*cktail with a thoughtful garnish. A skewer of crystalized ginger, thin slice of ripe pear, or a twist of lemon peel will add a touch of elegance and complement the drink’s flavors.

serving ginger whiskey co*cktails

Common serving suggestions

• Classic co*cktail Glass: Serve your pear and bourbon concoction in a chilled co*cktail glass. Garnish the drink with a thin slice of pear and a cinnamon stick. This timeless presentation highlights the elegance of the co*cktail, while inviting drinkers to a cozy sip.
• Rocks Glass: For a more relaxed and robust experience, present the co*cktail in a rocks glass with a large ice cube. This not only chills the drink, but a large ice cube subtly dilutes it over time, allowing the complex flavors to evolve with each sip.
• Martini Glass: Elevate your bourbon fall co*cktail with a sleek martini glass. A pear slice on the rim and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg will enhance the aromatic appeal.
• Highball Glass: If you prefer a longer drink, serve your pear bourbon mix in a highball glass over ice. Top it off with more ginger ale or a splash of club soda. This serving suggestion is perfect if you’re looking for a more refreshing effervescence experience.

Unique serving suggestions

• Copper Mug: Add a touch of rustic charm by serving your pear co*cktails in a copper mug. The metallic sheen complements the warm, spicy notes of the bourbon, while a sprinkle of cinnamon and cinnamon stick create a delightful visual contrast.
• Old-Fashioned Glass with Smoked Lid: Elevate your drink experience by using an old-fashioned glass with a smoked lid. The subtle smokiness enhances the bourbon’s complexity, and the theatrical presentation is always fun.
• Pumpkin Spice Rimmed Glass: For a seasonal twist, rim your glass with a mixture of pumpkin spice and sugar. This adds a delightful seasonal flavor that complements these bourbon pear co*cktails well.
• Bourbon Party: Put ALL the bourbon in that whiskey bottle to good use and serve your ginger and pear co*cktails with boozy bites, such as Whiskey Bourbon Meatballs and Bacon Baked Beans with Bourbon.

Storing leftovers

• Leftovers: Leftover ginger bourbon co*cktails don’t store all that great. However, if you have any leftovers, drain and dump the ice before transferring it to an airtight container. Then store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Storage Tips: If you’re preparing these fall co*cktails in in advance, keep the pear juice, bourbon, ginger ale, and simple syrup in separate containers. Mix the drink components just before serving to preserve the co*cktail’s quality and flavor. Note: The simple syrup will stay well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Keep Garnishes Fresh: Store any garnishes like fresh pear slices or ginger separately in the refrigerator to ensure they remain fresh.
• Bourbon Storage: You can store Bourbon can be indefinitely in a cool, dark place.

Freezing Instructions

• Simple Syrup Ice Cubes: For a creative twist, freeze ginger-infused syrup ice cubes to use in future co*cktails. Store these cubes in a freezer-safe bag or container to maintain their flavor and avoid freezer burn.
• Freeze the Pear Juice: For long-term storage, consider freezing the pear juice or pear nectar in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. These can be used to quickly chill pear co*cktails without diluting them.

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