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This fancy Vanilla Pear Gin Fizz blends autumn pears' light sweetness with aromatic vanilla and tangy gin for a classy drink that's cool yet cozy. The DIY pear vanilla syrup takes this drink up a notch, making a seasonal cocktail that's great for parties or quiet nights in.
I came up with this drink during a dinner party last fall when I wanted something nice but not complicated. The pear and vanilla combo was such a success that my friends always ask for it whenever they come over during pear season.
Ingredients
- Bartlett pears: Give just the right sweetness and consistency for your syrup
- Organic sugar: Delivers pure taste without added chemicals
- Vanilla syrup: Brings warm undertones that go great with the fruit
- Quality gin: Offers plant notes that work with instead of hiding the gentle pear flavor
- Soda water: Adds bubbles that brighten the drink and cut the sweetness
- Crushed ice: Helps water down and cool the drink just right
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pear base:
- Cut up or blend your bartlett pears until they're all the same size. Getting this step right helps pull out all the flavor when you cook them.
- Create the syrup:
- Mix your pears with sugar, water, and vanilla syrup in a pot over medium heat. It's pretty cool to watch everything start coming together into a sweet-smelling mix.
- Simmer to perfection:
- Let it bubble gently before turning down to a simmer for 5-8 minutes. The good stuff happens as the liquid turns amber and the pears start to break down. Stir often so nothing burns and everything cooks evenly.
- Strain for clarity:
- Once it's off the heat, pour through a fine strainer into a container. Push down hard with a spoon to get every bit of flavor from the pear bits. Your syrup should look clear with a pretty golden color.
- Mix your cocktail:
- Put 1.5 ounces of gin and 2 tablespoons of your homemade pear vanilla syrup in an 8 ounce glass. Stir them well before adding ¾ cup of soda water. The fizz will carry the pear and vanilla smells right up to your nose.
The vanilla in this drink is what turns it from just good to really amazing. I found this out by accident when I ran out of simple syrup and used some vanilla syrup I'd made for my coffee. The warm vanilla taste fits perfectly between the botanical gin and sweet pears.
Make Ahead Options
What's great about this drink is you can plan ahead. You can make the pear vanilla syrup up to two weeks early and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. This makes hosting super easy since you can just mix drinks as needed without any rush. The syrup also makes a nice gift for friends who like cocktails when you put it in a pretty bottle with some instructions.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe tastes great as is, but you can try some fun changes too. Switch gin for bourbon to make a warmer winter version that really brings out the vanilla. For a spicy twist, throw in a cinnamon stick and star anise while the syrup simmers. If you want more pear taste, try blending the strained pear chunks into a mush and adding that to your drink.
Serving Suggestions
This drink goes really well with fancy cheese plates, especially aged cheddar and blue cheese that match the sweet pear flavors. For a wow factor, put sugar on the rim of your glass and add a thin slice of fresh pear on top. When you have friends over, set up a spot with the syrup, gin, and soda water so everyone can make their drink just how they like it.
This drink brings together fancy and simple in every gulp, making it our go-to whenever pears are in season.
Foire aux questions sur la recette
- → Can I make the syrup in advance?
Sure thing! You can whip up the syrup a few days early and store it tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Handy for mixing plenty of drinks when guests pop by.
- → What gin should I pick for this?
A classic London Dry gin works well thanks to its botanical flavor that pairs nicely with pear and vanilla. Feel free to try floral or aged gins for a twist.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Definitely! Skip the gin and go heavier on the soda. A dash of fresh lemon juice keeps the drink lively and balanced for a tasty mocktail.
- → How to use leftover pear bits?
The extra pear pieces are tasty in oatmeal, yogurt, or on ice cream. Blend them into smoothies or heap them onto pancakes or waffles for a treat.
- → How to do the sugar-and-vanilla glass rim?
Combine fine sugar with scraped vanilla seeds on a plate. Wet your glass rim using some syrup or a pear slice, then dip it into the mix for a polished look.
- → Which pears give the best results?
Sweet, juicy Bartlett pears are ideal, but Anjou or Bosc will work well too. Just make sure they're ripe to pull out maximum flavor.