Fall and winter flavors can be so cozy and comforting but also refreshing. This fall take on the lemon drop is refreshing, zesty and light enough to pair with a holiday dinner. Transitioning from fall to winter brings an opportunity to explore new and exciting cocktail flavors.
The Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail is a refreshing take on the classic lemon drop, infusing it with the cozy warmth of the season. This innovative blend of ingredients will elevate your holiday dinner experience, offering a perfect balance of zesty and comforting notes.
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What is a lemon drop?
Before we delve into the intriguing world of the Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail, let’s first understand the classic lemon drop cocktail. The lemon drop is a timeless and well-loved cocktail renowned for its tangy and sweet profile. It typically consists of vodka, lemon juice, and a sweet liqueur, such as Cointreau or triple sec. The result is a drink that’s both sour and sugary, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Where to find Ginger liqueur?
One of the key ingredients in our Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail is ginger liqueur, which adds a unique and spicy kick to the drink. While there are various ginger liqueurs available, for this recipe, we recommend Barrow’s Intense ginger liqueur. Its intense ginger flavor and warmth make it a perfect match for the cocktail. However, if you can’t find Barrow’s Intense, you have a few options. You can either infuse your chosen spirit with fresh ginger, creating a homemade ginger-infused vodka, or you can opt for ginger syrup, which is readily available on online marketplaces like Amazon.
Making your own ginger infused spirit:
Creating your own ginger-infused spirit is a rewarding process that allows you to tailor the level of ginger flavor to your liking. This infusion can be used in various cocktails, adding a delightful kick of ginger to your drinks. Here’s how to make ginger-infused spirit:
Ingredients:
- A bottle of your preferred spirit (vodka work well without adding additional flavors)
- Fresh ginger root
- A knife and cutting board
- A glass jar with a lid
- A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A funnel
- A clean glass bottle for storing the infused spirit
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ginger:
- Start by washing the fresh ginger root thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. You don’t need to peel the ginger, but you can if you prefer.
- Slice the Ginger:
- Use a knife to thinly slice the ginger root. The more surface area the ginger has, the quicker it will infuse into your spirit.
- Combine Ginger and Spirit:
- Place the sliced ginger into a clean glass jar. Depending on your preference for ginger intensity, you can start with a few slices and add more if needed.
- Pour your chosen spirit over the ginger slices. Ensure that the ginger is fully submerged in the spirit.
- Seal and Store:
- Seal the glass jar with a lid, ensuring it’s airtight. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
- Infusion Duration:
- Let the ginger infuse into the spirit for at least 24 hours. For a more intense ginger flavor, you can leave it for up to a week, but remember to taste it periodically to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
- Strain the Infusion:
- Once the infusion period is complete, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the infused spirit into a clean glass bottle. This step removes any small ginger particles or impurities.
- Bottle and Store:
- Use a funnel to pour the ginger-infused spirit into a clean glass bottle with a sealable cap.
- Store the bottle in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. It can be stored for several months, but the ginger flavor may become more intense over time.
You now have your very own homemade ginger-infused spirit ready for crafting ginger-infused cocktails. This versatile ingredient can be used in a wide range of mixed drinks, such as the Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail. You can also experiment with different spirits and ginger infusion durations to find the perfect balance of flavors for your personal taste.
What is Cointreau? Is there a substitute?
Cointreau is a premium orange liqueur that has become a staple in many classic cocktails, including the lemon drop. It imparts a sweet and citrusy note that beautifully complements the tartness of the lemon juice. While Cointreau is the recommended choice for this recipe, there are alternatives. Triple sec is a popular substitute, offering a similar orange flavor. However, for a more unique twist, you can also experiment with other orange liqueurs that suit your taste.
How to add a sugar rim to the glass
A sugar rim adds a touch of sweetness and a touch of elegance to your Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail. To achieve this, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
A small plate or saucer
Granulated sugar
Lemon wedge
Instructions:
Begin by taking a lemon wedge and running it around the outer rim of your cocktail glass. This step helps the sugar adhere to the glass.
Pour a small amount of granulated sugar onto a small plate or saucer.
Gently dip the wetted rim of your cocktail glass into the sugar, twisting it slightly to ensure an even coating.
Voila! Your glass now boasts a charming sugar rim that not only enhances the drink’s appearance but also adds a delightful sweet contrast to each sip.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- ½ oz Cointreau
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz pear juice
- ½ oz ginger liqueur
- Garnish: Sugar rim and pear slice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your cocktail glass. To create a sugar rim, take a lemon wedge and run it around the outer rim of the glass. This step helps the sugar adhere to the glass.
- Pour a small amount of granulated sugar onto a small plate or saucer.
- Gently dip the wetted rim of your cocktail glass into the sugar, twisting it slightly to ensure an even coating. Your glass now boasts a charming sugar rim.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1.5 oz of vodka, ½ oz of Cointreau, 1 oz of lemon juice, ¾ oz of pear juice, and ½ oz of ginger liqueur.
- Add ice to the cocktail shake.
- Secure the lid of the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This process not only chills the mixture but also ensures that all the flavors meld together harmoniously.
- Strain the cocktail into your prepared, sugar-rimmed glass. You can use a fine strainer or the built-in strainer on your cocktail shaker to prevent any ice shards from entering the glass.
- To complete the presentation, garnish your Pear & Ginger Lemon Drop with a thin slice of fresh pear. This adds visual appeal and a subtle pear aroma to enhance the drinking experience.
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