This Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail is a delightful treat! Sweet pear juice mixed with smooth bourbon, a splash of vanilla, and a hint of spice makes every sip feel special.
Perfect for cozy evenings or fun gatherings, this drink is like a warm hug in a glass! I love serving it over ice, and trust me, it pairs wonderfully with laughter and good company.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping neat. I like using a smooth, well-balanced variety. If you prefer, you can substitute with rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
Pear Juice: Freshly pressed pear juice adds great flavor. If that’s not available, high-quality store-bought pear juice works well. You might also try apple juice if you’re in a pinch.
Vanilla Syrup: This homemade syrup enhances the cocktail’s sweetness. Use agave syrup or honey for a natural sweetness if you want to skip the sugar. You can also add a hint of vanilla extract instead of a fresh vanilla bean.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must for brightening flavors. However, bottled lemon juice can work too in a hurry, just ensure it’s 100% juice.
How Do I Make Vanilla Syrup for My Cocktail?
Making vanilla syrup is simple and adds a lovely touch to your cocktail. Follow these easy steps:
- Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan with a split vanilla bean for flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps to extract all the vanilla flavor.
- Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain out the vanilla bean.
- Store syrup in the fridge for up to a month.
This syrup can enhance other drinks too. Once you try making it, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought! Enjoy creating your Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail!
Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1.5 oz pear juice (freshly pressed or good quality store-bought)
- 0.5 oz vanilla syrup (see instructions below)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- 1 vanilla bean pod (for garnish)
- Pear slice (optional, for garnish)
For the Vanilla Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the vanilla syrup and another 5 minutes to mix your cocktail. Including the cooling time for the syrup, you’ll be ready to enjoy your drink in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Vanilla Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the split vanilla bean pod. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. After this time, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, strain out the vanilla bean pod and store the syrup in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
2. Prepare the Cocktail:
Now, grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice cubes. Add the bourbon, pear juice, cooled vanilla syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until everything is well chilled.
3. Serve the Cocktail:
Take an old-fashioned glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Strain the delicious cocktail mixture into the glass over the ice. Be sure to leave space for garnishing!
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
To make it look fancy, garnish with a vanilla bean pod twisted or placed inside the drink for a beautiful touch. You can also add a slice of fresh pear on the rim of the glass if you’d like.
5. Enjoy!
Your Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail is ready! Sip and enjoy the delightful combination of smooth vanilla, sweet pear, rich bourbon, and a hint of zesty lemon. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or to impress your friends at a gathering. Cheers!
Can I Use Different Types of Whiskey?
Absolutely! While bourbon is the star of this cocktail, you can experiment with rye whiskey for a spicier note or even use a smooth blended whiskey if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I Make the Vanilla Syrup in Advance?
Yes, you can! The vanilla syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good shake before using, as it may settle.
What If I Don’t Have Pear Juice?
No problem! You can substitute pear juice with fresh apple juice or even white grape juice for a different but still delicious flavor. Just remember that the sweetness will vary slightly with each option.
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store the cocktail mixture in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a shake before serving it over ice again!