Spiced Pear Old Fashioned: A Festive Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Few cocktails are as iconic and enduring as the Old Fashioned. Its simplicity – whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist – is its strength. But even classics can benefit from a seasonal update, and that’s where the Spiced Pear Old Fashioned comes in. This recipe elevates the traditional drink with the warm, comforting flavors of pear and aromatic spices, making it the perfect cocktail for crisp autumn evenings and holiday gatherings.

## Why This Spiced Pear Old Fashioned Works

* **Seasonal Flavors:** Pear and spice are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the pear complements the whiskey beautifully, while the spices add depth and complexity.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its elegant flavor profile, this cocktail is surprisingly simple to prepare.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The spiced pear garnish adds a touch of sophistication to the drink, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Experiment with different types of whiskey, bitters, or spices to create your own signature version.
* **Festive:** This cocktail evokes the cozy feeling of the holiday season.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Whiskey:** The foundation of any Old Fashioned. Bourbon or Rye whiskey work best, choose based on your preference. Bourbon offers sweeter, caramel notes that pair well with pear. Rye is spicier and drier, providing a nice counterpoint to the sweetness.
* **Pear Liqueur:** This adds a concentrated pear flavor to the cocktail. Look for a high-quality pear liqueur for the best results. If you can’t find pear liqueur, you can substitute pear brandy or pear syrup (adjust the amount of sugar accordingly).
* **Spiced Simple Syrup:** This is where the magic happens. Making your own spiced simple syrup allows you to control the intensity of the flavors. We’ll provide a recipe below.
* **Angostura Bitters:** A classic Old Fashioned ingredient, Angostura bitters add complexity and balance to the drink. Their spicy, aromatic flavor enhances the other ingredients.
* **Orange Bitters (Optional):** Adding a dash of orange bitters further complements the spice notes and enhances the citrus aroma.
* **Pear Slice and Star Anise (for garnish):** These make a beautiful and flavorful garnish that ties the whole drink together.
* **Large Ice Cube or Sphere:** A large ice cube melts slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

## Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe

This syrup is the key to infusing your Old Fashioned with the warm, inviting flavors of pear and spice.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup Water
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar
* 1 Pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 2 Cinnamon Sticks
* 3-4 Whole Cloves
* 2-3 Star Anise
* 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, chopped pear, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg.
2. **Bring to a Simmer:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Simmer and Infuse:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the syrup. The pear should be soft and the syrup should be fragrant.
4. **Strain:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if desired) into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the solids.
5. **Store:** Let the syrup cool completely before sealing the jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

## Spiced Pear Old Fashioned Recipe

Now that you have your spiced simple syrup, you’re ready to make the cocktail!

**Yields:** 1 serving
**Prep time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 ounces Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
* 0.5 ounce Pear Liqueur
* 0.5 ounce Spiced Simple Syrup
* 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
* 1 dash Orange Bitters (optional)
* Large Ice Cube or Sphere
* Pear Slice and Star Anise, for garnish

**Equipment:**

* Old Fashioned Glass (rocks glass)
* Bar Spoon
* Jigger or Measuring Spoons

**Instructions:**

1. **Chill the Glass:** Place an Old Fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it. This helps to keep the drink cold.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In the chilled glass, add the whiskey, pear liqueur, spiced simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters (if using).
3. **Add Ice:** Add the large ice cube or sphere to the glass.
4. **Stir:** Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 15-20 seconds, until well combined and chilled. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can dilute the drink too much.
5. **Garnish:** Garnish with a thin slice of pear and a star anise pod. You can also express the oils from a small piece of orange peel over the drink before garnishing.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Whiskey Selection:** Experiment with different whiskeys to find your favorite. For a sweeter cocktail, choose a bourbon with notes of caramel and vanilla. For a spicier cocktail, choose a rye whiskey.
* **Bitters:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bitters. Cardamom bitters, cinnamon bitters, or even chocolate bitters can add interesting layers of flavor to this cocktail.
* **Pear Brandy or Syrup Substitute:** If you don’t have pear liqueur, you can substitute pear brandy or pear syrup. If using pear syrup, reduce the amount of spiced simple syrup slightly to avoid making the cocktail too sweet. Start with .25oz of syrup and adjust to taste.
* **Maple Syrup:** You can replace the simple syrup with maple syrup for a different flavour.
* **Spiced Pear Puree:** For a richer, more intense pear flavor, you can muddle a small piece of fresh pear in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
* **Smoked Old Fashioned:** For a smoky twist, use a smoking gun to infuse the glass with smoke before adding the cocktail ingredients.
* **Pear Spice Blend:** Add a dash of pear spice blend to enhance the spiced pear flavor.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Depending on the sweetness of your pear liqueur and the whiskey you choose, you may need to adjust the amount of spiced simple syrup to achieve the desired level of sweetness. Taste as you go and add more syrup if needed.
* **Muddle Carefully:** If you decide to muddle the pear, do so gently to avoid over-muddling, which can release bitter compounds from the peel.
* **Make it a Mocktail:** Simply replace the Whiskey with a non-alcoholic alternative like Seedlip Spice 94 and the Pear Liqueur with Pear Nectar or Pear Juice. Add a splash of Lemon Juice for some acidity.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Pair with Cheese and Charcuterie:** The Spiced Pear Old Fashioned pairs well with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. Try it with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or blue cheese. The sweet and spicy flavors of the cocktail complement the savory and salty flavors of the cheese and charcuterie.
* **Serve with Dessert:** This cocktail is also a great accompaniment to dessert. Pair it with pear tart, apple pie, or gingerbread cake.
* **Enjoy as an Apéritif:** The Spiced Pear Old Fashioned is a delicious apéritif to enjoy before a meal. Its complex flavors and festive presentation will impress your guests.
* **Holiday Gatherings:** This cocktail is the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Its warm, inviting flavors and elegant presentation make it a crowd-pleaser.

## Make Ahead Tips

* **Spiced Simple Syrup:** The spiced simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes it easy to whip up a Spiced Pear Old Fashioned whenever you’re in the mood for one.
* **Pear Garnish:** You can prepare the pear slices for garnish ahead of time and store them in a container of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use a different type of whiskey?**
Yes, you can use any type of whiskey you like. Bourbon and rye are the most traditional choices for an Old Fashioned, but you can also experiment with other types of whiskey, such as Scotch or Irish whiskey.
* **Can I make a large batch of this cocktail?**
Yes, you can easily make a large batch of this cocktail for a party or gathering. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make. Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl, add ice, and stir well. Garnish with pear slices and star anise before serving.
* **What if I don’t have a large ice cube?**
If you don’t have a large ice cube or sphere, you can use regular ice cubes. However, be aware that regular ice cubes will melt faster and dilute the drink more quickly. It’s best to use as few ice cubes as possible.
* **Where do I find Star Anise?**
Star anise is a relatively common spice and can be found in the spice aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores. It is also available in specialty spice shops and online retailers.
* **What is the origin of the Old Fashioned?**
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest known cocktails, dating back to the early 1800s. It originated in Louisville, Kentucky, at a private social club called the Pendennis Club. The drink was created by a bartender in honor of a prominent bourbon distiller, and it quickly became popular throughout the United States.
* **What are the key differences between Bourbon and Rye whiskey?**
Bourbon and Rye are both American whiskeys, but they differ in their grain composition and flavor profiles. Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, which gives it a sweeter, smoother flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla. Rye, on the other hand, must be made from at least 51% rye, which gives it a spicier, drier flavor with notes of pepper and spice.

## Final Thoughts

The Spiced Pear Old Fashioned is a delicious and festive twist on a classic cocktail. Its warm, inviting flavors and elegant presentation make it the perfect drink for autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Cheers to creating unforgettable moments with this delightful Spiced Pear Old Fashioned!