Pears are a favorite fruit of most of Eric’s family. A box of pears was gifted to us for many years by Eric’s uncle, always arriving just before Christmas. The whole family always looked forward to that box arriving! Carrying on that tradition, one of our favorite gifts to give is fresh fruit. We love to send fruit arrangements for birthdays and special events. We also like to gift fresh whole fruit. Around the holidays, we often send premium pears to loved ones & good friends.
Given all that history with fresh pears, it should not come as a surprise that many recipes we make around this time of year include them. This New Year’s cocktail is one of them. It combines pear juice with ginger liqueur and champagne. But the fresh pear used here is an Asian pear.
Asian pears, also called apple pears, are crispier than regular pears and are more like an apple in texture. While they are not soft and mushy, they do bruise very easily and often come wrapped individually to avoid damage. They are very juicy with a bit of a grainy texture. They get sweeter as they ripen and will continue to ripen once picked. Asian pears have a melon-like flavor with pineapple and floral undertones. It blends well in this cocktail with the traditional pear juice and ginger mixture that is added to a glass of champagne!
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
Pear & Ginger Sparkler (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Total Time Required: 30 minutes + cooling time, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pear nectar
- 1 medium Asian pear, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh gingerroot
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup ginger liqueur
- 1 750 milliliter bottle champagne, chilled
- garnish with fresh pear slices
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the pear nectar, Asian pear slices, ginger, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, until the pear slices are softened. Cool.
Combine the pear nectar with the Asian pear slices, ginger, and sugar.
Remove the skin from the pear slices. Using a wand blender, process the mixture until smooth.
Process the mixture with a wand blender until smooth.
Press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Then stir in the ginger liqueur.
Strain the solids out of the pear mixture.
Pour 3/4 ounce of the pear mixture into each champagne flute or cocktail glass.
Add 3/4 of an ounce to each champagne flute.
Top with 4 ounces champagne.
Top with the champagne.
Serve with pear slices.
Garnish, serve, and ring in the New Year!
Here’s to a healthy, prosperous, and joyous 2024! ~Linda
Pear & Ginger Sparkler (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Total Time Required: 30 minutes + cooling time, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pear nectar
- 1 medium Asian pear, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh gingerroot
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup ginger liqueur
- 1 750 milliliters bottle champagne, chilled
- garnish with fresh pear slices
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the pear nectar, Asian pear slices, ginger, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, until the pear slices are softened. Cool.
Remove the skin from the pear slices. Using a wand blender, process the mixture until smooth. Press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in the ginger liqueur. Pour 3/4 ounce of the pear mixture into each champagne flute or cocktail glass. Top with 4 ounces champagne. Serve with pear slices.