december 28, 2020

Pear Whiskey Sour is what I’m making this holiday season to make my spirits bright. I am toasting the upcoming year. We have just endured a year that cannot be repeated, right? I am hopeful and wanting the world to recover all that has been lost. Some things may not come back to full speed, like raucous bar behavior. Restaurant patrons, those who enjoy  conversation that does not need to be shouted, will likely agree. Homemade cocktails suit me just fine for now, unless takeout is an option. 

Talented bartenders are always in demand. Their colorful and flavorful libations start the meal with panache. Mixology cocktails are called craft for good reason. I’m pretty basic with my cocktails published here, sticking with the seasons and combining just a few ingredients for maximum joy. I like to focus on winter citrus and herbs still growing in the garden. A personal favorite is Lemon Ginger Cocktail garnished with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices.

Homemade Sour Mix is the Way to Go

I may be flying blind for this cocktail, since I have never once had a whiskey sour. Sours were usually made with a commercial sour mix in days past. I have read the ingredients of “sour mix” at grocery stores and my only reaction is nope, not gonna happen. Mixologists these days craft homemade sour and then the flavor explosion begins, in a more organic way minus the hard-to-pronounce chemicals. I do hope my blend satisfies true connoisseurs of whiskey sours.

Easy does it for this seasonal Pear Whiskey Sour with pear juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and whiskey. It’s hard to find 100% pear juice when other juices may be added, but Knudsen’s Organic Pear Juice is the best I have found. Garnish with a slender pear slice and you are done. Join me in welcoming a fresh start and 2021!

Pear Whiskey Sour

recipe by Michele Humlan, The Good Eats Company

directions for one cocktail

ingredients

2 ounces whiskey, preferably chilled
2 ounces pear nectar/pear juice*, well chilled
½ ounce simple syrup, chilled
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
optional garnish : thin slice pear
*preference is 100% juice (best is Knudsen’s)with no added sugar – other juices are usually added

directions

1. For simple syrup, if making at home, mix one cup water and one cup granulated sugar in small saucepan, bringing to simmer and stirring until sugar is completely melted; cool completely at room temperature and chill until ready to use —will keep for weeks in the fridge.
2. For cocktail, combine all ingredients in small jar or cocktail shaker with ice and shake; strain into glass and garnish if desired with pear slice.