Spiced Pear + Gin

Autumn in the south is still quite warm and a cool refreshing cocktail is very desired on some of these warm September days. This cocktail is a perfect mix of rich + spicy flavors with a bright and refreshing base.

Ingredients —

• 1 oz dry gin (or to taste)

• .5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1.5 oz pear juice

• Soda water to top

• Sprig of thyme and cinnamon stick to garnish
  
  To make spiced pear simple syrup —

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 pear, cored and cut into pieces

• 3 star anise

• 2 cardamom pods

Directions —

1. To make spiced pear syrup —
   Add the water, sugar, pear, star anise and cardamom pods to a small saucepan, bring to a simmer over medium heat and gently stir for about five minutes or until the sugar and pears have dissolved and you have a syrup. Strain the liquid into a jar and allow to cool completely before using.
   

2. To make the cocktail—
   Fill a shaker with ice. Add your gin, lemon juice, pear juice and .5 oz of spiced pear syrup.

3. Replace the lid and shake for 15 seconds or until shaker becomes frosty. Strain into your cocktail glass. Top up with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and/or a star anise, and serve.