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

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

Make the pear puree first.

Directions:

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

Combine the ingredients for the pear puree.

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

Cook the pears in the sugar and oj.

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.)

Blend the pear puree.

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.

Strain the puree.

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.

Combine the cocktail ingredients in the shaker.

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.

Pear & orange cocktail for the holidays!

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.