Spiced Orchard Pear Cocktail

By draingal

If desired, lightly burn one end of the cinnamon stick with a torch. Invert the rocks glass over the cinnamon stick on a heat-safe surface or plate while you prepare the cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces blended Scotch
• 3/4 ounce pear puree
• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
• 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce Winter Syrup (see below)
• 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
• In a cocktail shaker, combine the Scotch, pear puree, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup. Add ice, then shake until well-combined.
• Strain into a rocks glass, over fresh ice, and garnish with the cinnamon stick.

Preparation

Step 1

Winter Syrup

Makes about 3 cups syrup

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

The peel of 1 orange, white pith removed
1 star anise
3 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cardamom pods

Combine water, sugar, orange peel, anise, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Cook until the mixture is simmering and the sugar has dissolved.

Set aside until cool, then strain. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.