This Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail is a sweet and spicy drink that’s perfect for cozy nights. It’s made with fresh pear juice, zesty ginger, and a splash of bourbon—yum!
You’ll love how the warm spice of ginger mixes with the smooth bourbon. I like to serve it over ice, and it always brings a smile to my face. Cheers to good times! 🥂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor. I prefer straight bourbon, but if you want to experiment, rye whiskey or a spiced rum can work as substitutes for a different twist.
Pear Juice: Freshly juiced pears add a lovely sweetness. If you can’t find ripe pears, look for bottled pear juice that is 100% natural and free from added sugars.
Ginger Syrup: You can easily make your own ginger syrup, but if you’re short on time, store-bought ginger syrup or ginger ale can do in a pinch. Use ginger powder with simple syrup as another quick option.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink, but bottled juice will also work in a squeeze. You can also substitute with lime juice for a different citrus zing!
How Do I Make Fresh Ginger Syrup?
Creating ginger syrup is super simple and adds a nice kick to your cocktail. Here’s how to make it, step-by-step:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar (e.g., 1 cup of each) in a saucepan.
- Add sliced fresh ginger—about a 2-inch piece peeled and thinly sliced.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Strain to remove the ginger slices and allow the syrup to cool.
- Store any leftover syrup in the fridge for future drinks!
Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh pear juice (juice from ripe pears)
- 0.5 oz fresh ginger syrup (or ginger juice with simple syrup)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Pear slices, for garnish
- Fresh ginger piece and/or sprig of rosemary (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend time making the fresh pear juice and ginger syrup, and then just a few moments mixing everything together. It’s quick, fun, and oh so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Fresh Pear Juice:
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping ripe pears. If you have a juicer, use it to extract the juice. If not, you can blend the pears until smooth and then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to get the juice. Set it aside for later.
2. Making the Ginger Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of water and sugar. Add some sliced fresh ginger—about a 2-inch piece works well. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the ginger’s flavor to infuse the syrup. Once done, strain out the ginger pieces and let the syrup cool.
3. Mixing the Cocktail:
Grab a cocktail shaker and add 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of the fresh pear juice, 0.5 oz of your ginger syrup, and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice. This combination will give your cocktail that sweet-spicy kick!
4. Shaking it Up:
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and put the lid on tightly. Shake it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also blends all the flavors beautifully.
5. Straining and Serving:
Take a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, ensuring it’s nice and cold. You can use a fine mesh strainer for this if you want to make sure it’s smooth.
6. Garnishing Your Drink:
To make it look lovely, garnish your drink with a thin slice of pear on the rim. If you want, you can add a small piece of fresh ginger or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
7. Cheers!
Serve your Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail immediately and enjoy the sweet, spicy flavors that will dance in your mouth. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or a fun gathering!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pear Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, bottled pear juice is a great alternative. Just make sure it’s 100% pure juice with no added sugars for the best taste.
What Can I Substitute for Ginger Syrup?
If you don’t have ginger syrup, you can mix ginger juice with simple syrup or use a splash of ginger ale for a fizzy option. Ginger powder mixed with simple syrup can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftover Ginger Syrup?
Any unused ginger syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to shake it well before each use to mix up any settled ingredients!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale, and keep the other ingredients the same for a refreshing mocktail.
