Pears are always a part of our Christmas celebration. Some form of oranges are, too. Pears are one of Eric’s favorite Winter fruits and Clementines are mine. So a cocktail using both of these fruits is representative of both of us and right up our alley!

This cocktail starts with a pear puree. It is easy enough to make using fresh, ripe pears. There will be enough puree to make 8 cocktails, as each individual cocktail only uses 2 ounces of puree. Making the puree before hand gives it plenty of time to chill prior to the  cocktails being mixed and served. Fresh squeezed orange juice provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the pears. Garnish the libation with a cinnamon stick, orange peel or slice, or a pear slice for a festive presentation. And have a wonderful & safe holiday celebration!

Orange Pear-tini (adapted from eatingwell.com) Total Time Required: 40 minutes + chilling time, Active Time: 20 minutes, Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

Pear Puree:

• 2 medium pears, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice from 1 orange

Cocktail:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) pear puree
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec
• cinnamon stick, twist of orange peel, orange segment, and/or pear slice for garnish

Directions:

Pear Puree: Bring the pears, water, sugar, and orange juice to boiling in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the pears are soft.

Cool slightly. Using a wand blender, blend until the mixture is smooth. (Alternately, transfer the pear mixture to a blender or food processor, cover and blend or process for 30 seconds or until smooth.)

Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-cup jar and discard the solids. There will be enough pear puree to make 8 cocktails. Chill the puree for at least 1 hour. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 days.

Cocktail: Combine 1/4 cup pear puree with the vodka, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds.

Strain the liquid into a martini glass. Garnish the cocktail with a cinnamon stick, an orange peel twist, an orange segment, or a pear slice.

Cheers & Merry Christmas!  ~Linda

Orange Pear-tini (adapted from eatingwell.com) Total Time Required: 40 minutes + chilling time, Active Time: 20 minutes, Servings: 1

Ingredients:

Pear Puree:

• 2 medium pears, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice from 1 orange

Cocktail:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) pear puree
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec
• cinnamon stick, twist of orange peel, orange segment, or pear slice for garnish

Directions:

Pear Puree: Bring the pears, water, sugar, and orange juice to boiling in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the pears are soft. Cool slightly. Using a wand blender, blend until the mixture is smooth. (Alternately, transfer the pear mixture to a blender or food processor, cover and blend or process for 30 seconds or until smooth.) Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-cup jar and discard the solids. There will be enough pear puree to make 8 cocktails. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 days.

Cocktail: Combine 1/4 cup pear puree with the vodka, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into a martini glass. Garnish the cocktail with a cinnamon stick, an orange peel twist, an orange segment,  or a pear slice.