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There’s something comforting about the cozy aroma of spices mixed with the sweetness of ripe fruits. Our Pear Cocktail with Cardamom and Rum captures these fall sensations in a glass. It’s crisp and sweet, but warm and spicy at the same time. It makes for a refreshing fall cocktail.
Tips & Tricks for Pear Muddling
This Pear Cocktail with Cardamom and Rum is fun to concoct. We came up with the recipe below when we had some Bartlett pears that were about to go bad. We did not want to throw them away, but they weren’t quite pretty enough to eat. So muddling them made perfect sense! The next time we made this with a perfectly ripe pear, and it took longer to muddle into puree. You could substitute pear nectar for the pear puree if you don’t have pears or don’t want to muddle. Make sure you muddle well into a thin paste, or even better, use a blender to get the pear to the right consistency. Speaking of blenders, this would make a great frozen daiquiri. Just add add and throw everything in the blender together.
Pear Cocktail Flavor Profile
The muddled Bartlett pear infuses a burst of freshness, complemented by the zesty kick of lemon juice. But what truly sets this cocktail apart is the cardamom, vanilla and pink peppercorn. The cardamom bitters and vanilla bean powder lend an aromatic depth. And pink peppercorn compliments both the vanilla and cardamom well.
For the base spirit, we’ve chosen rum. It’s the perfect canvas for the pear’s juiciness and the spices’ warmth. Spiced rum is another way to add additional layers of flavor, but don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand – a hint of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be added if you’d like that extra fall spiced flavor. Again, this cocktail makes a delightful frozen cocktail; just blend in the blender and serve it like a daiquiri.
Pear Cardamom Cocktail Variations to Explore
Feel free to change the cocktail depending on your mood or use. Below are some ways to adapt the cocktail.
- Sparkling Pear: Add a touch of effervescence by topping your cocktail with sparkling water or club soda. The bubbles will accentuate the cocktail’s flavors and add a refreshing twist.
- Ginger Spice: For a zesty alternative, add a splash of ginger ale. The gingery kick pairs wonderfully with the pear and cardamom.
- Elegant Fizz: Jazz up your cocktail with a splash of sparkling wine. The pear and cardamom’s sophistication marries beautifully with the sparkling wine’s effervescence, making it perfect for celebrations.
- Make it a Tonic: Change rum to gin and top with tonic to create a fall pear tonic. A great accompaniment to hor d’oeuvre and snacks.
- Frozen Pear Daiquiri: Blend all ingredients in a blender with ice to make a nice frozen cocktail. This option is great for end of summer, beginning of fall type weather.
Feel free to experiment and make this cocktail your own. It’s a versatile creation that welcomes your personal touch. Whether you prefer it sparkling, zesty, or elegant, this Pear Cocktail is a canvas for your creativity.
Finishing Touches
We encourage you to get creative with your garnish if you’re in a festive mood. A thin pear slice can be the perfect final touch, or a dash of freshly ground pink peppercorn adds an extra layer of spice. This cocktail is the ideal accompaniment to your fall gatherings, pairing beautifully with hearty autumn meals.
Please let us know what you think in the comments below. And if you are looking for another fall cocktail, go take a peep at our Muddled Apple Cider Cocktail with Spiced Whipped Cream.
Bartlett Pear and Cardamom Rum Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 muddler
Materials
- 1 ripe Bartlett pear peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 4 drops cardamom bitters or pinch cardamom powder
- 1 pinch vanilla bean powder or 1/8 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 2 pinches ground pink peppercorns
- 3 ounces dark rum
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the peeled Bartlett pear.
- Muddle the pear thoroughly using a muddler or the back of a spoon. This releases the pear’s juices and flavors and turns the pear into puree..
- Add the fresh lemon juice to the shaker, followed by the cardamom bitters, vanilla bean powder (or vanilla extract), and ground pink peppercorn. Muddle the mix together with the pear.
- Add plenty of ice to the shaker, about double the volume of the liquid ingredients.
- Pour in the rum.
- Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and thoroughly mixes the cocktail.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass of your choice. A rocks glass or lowball glass works well.
- Garnish your pear and cardamom rum cocktail with a pear slice or a twist of lemon peel, and perhaps an extra pinch of pink peppercorn on top.
Notes
- Customize the Spices: Adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding more or less vanilla, cardamom, and pink peppercorn. Experiment until you find your perfect balance. Add pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist. Or add some fresh thyme leaves for an herbal note.
- Fresh Bartlett Pears: Use ripe, fresh Bartlett pears for the best flavor and texture. You want a pear that can muddle easily. Use a blender if your pear is not quite soft enough. You can also garnish with a pear slice for an extra touch of elegance.
- Cardamom Bitters: Cardamom bitters add a unique and aromatic flavor to the cocktail. If you don’t have them, you can try regular cardamom, but bitters offer a more concentrated flavor.
- Rum: If you don’t have dark rum, you can use light rum or spiced rum.
- Chill Your Glass: For the best experience, chill your glassware before serving. It keeps your cocktail refreshing from the first sip to the last.
- Enjoy Responsibly: Remember to enjoy your cocktails responsibly. Know your limits and don’t drink and drive.
