A refreshing and festive Thanksgiving bourbon pear spritzer that combines the warming flavors of bourbon, pear, ginger, and sage, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy autumn evening.
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:2 servings
Ingredients
Ginger Sage Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
5 cubes frozen ginger
4-5 sage leaves
Bourbon Pear Spritzer
1 ½ oz bourbon
2 oz fresh pear juice
2 oz ginger ale
1 tbsp ginger sage simple syrup
1 pear (for garnish)
Sage leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add Ginger and Sage: Add 5 cubes of frozen ginger and 4-5 sage leaves to the syrup. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain to remove solids.
Prepare the Spritzer: In a glass, combine 1 ½ oz bourbon, 2 oz fresh pear juice, 1 tbsp ginger sage simple syrup, and 2 oz ginger ale. Stir gently to mix.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the spritzer with a slice of fresh pear and a few sage leaves. Serve immediately over ice if desired for a chilled drink.
Notes
You can prepare the ginger sage simple syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If fresh pear juice is unavailable, use store-bought pear nectar for a similar flavor.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup according to taste.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add extra ginger ale or sparkling water.
Use fresh sage for the best flavor, but dried sage can be used in a pinch though it will be less vibrant.
