Maple Pear Sparkler

A sparkling pear drink complements the dishes of fall, offering a refreshing accompaniment to warm spices and hearty meals.  This sparkler combines pear juice, maple simple syrup, and a touch of fresh pomegranate and lemon for a festive drink fit for the Thanksgiving table.  Bubbles are contributed by mineral water though sparkling white wine such as Prosecco does the trick as well, making this a drink that easily transforms from non-alcoholic to full-on cocktail.  Slip a thinly sliced pear into the glass as a garnish, and for an even more festive touch, brûlée it first.

Along with garnishes and drink recipes, I discuss mixology according to the seasons in my mocktail (or zero-proof cocktail) classes.  As maple is a quintessential flavor of autumn, I find it fitting to use in a simple syrup this time of year. Of course, this drink also celebrates the crisp sweetness of pear, which is often overlooked in favor of apple and cranberry.  Since many of the dishes on the Thanksgiving table already celebrate these ingredients, pear is my choice for filling the glass.

As we plan holiday celebrations that are a bit different and more intimate this year, the details are still joyful to create and enjoy. Treat yourself to a delicious drink and a table filled with echinacea blooms and pumpkins – the squat peachy ones and the perfectly round snowballs.

Ingredients

Maple Simple Syrup

½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup filtered water

Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic) or Cocktail

1 rounded teaspoon fresh pomegranate arils (about 12 arils)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ ounce maple simple syrup
2 ¼ ounces pear juice
2 ounces sparkling mineral water (or sparkling wine)
Bartlett pear slices for garnish

For this drink recipe, I use a simple syrup that consists of two parts maple syrup to one part filtered water.  Combine the simple syrup ingredients in a small saucepan, whisk to combine, and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool. 

In the meantime, prepare the jewel-like pomegranate arils, which have a bright tangy flavor that rounds out the drink. Score a fresh pomegranate cross-wise.  Twist to separate into halves.  Loosen the membrane around the edges and tap firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to collect the pomegranate arils.  Continue to loosen the membrane and tap to release all the arils.

For each drink, in a cocktail shaker muddle the pomegranate arils and lemon juice.  Next add the syrup and pear juice.  Add ice and shake to chill. Strain into a glass to serve. Top with sparkling mineral water for mocktails or sparkling wine for cocktails and give a brief gentle stir to combine. Add a slice of fresh or brûléed pear such as a ripe juicy Bartlett to garnish.

If you enjoy pear cocktails, you may also be interested in making this pear white sangria.