Pear and Honey Bourbon Smash

This Pear and Honey Bourbon Smash is the perfect drink for early fall. With fresh pear and mint it’s refreshing but also has the warmth of bourbon for those cool crisp nights. This drink is incredibly easy to make as home and to customize to your own tastes.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.

Ingredients and Tools You Will Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients and tools on hand:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon: Choose any bourbon that you enjoy. The smoother the bourbon, the better your cocktail will taste.
• ½ oz honey syrup: We’ll cover how to make this syrup below.
• 1 oz lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred.
• Fresh mint
• Pear slices: Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor. Bartlett or Bosc pears are great choices.
• Garnish: Extra pear slices and mint leaves for the finishing touch.

Tools:

• Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling your cocktail.
• Muddler: Used to mash the pear slices with the honey syrup, releasing their juices.
• Jigger: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
• Strainer: To ensure a smooth pour, free from any bits of muddled fruit.
• Ice: Pebble ice is ideal for this cocktail, as it chills the drink quickly and adds a nice texture.

When Are Pears in Season?

Pears typically reach their peak season in late summer through early fall. In the Northern Hemisphere, you can expect the best pears from August to October. During this time, pears are at their juiciest and most flavorful, making them perfect for mixing into cocktails. For the Bourbon Pear Smash, using pears at their peak ensures you get the most delicious and fresh pear flavors.

Can I Use Whiskey?

Yes you can absolutely use whiskey in place of bourbon. While the classic recipe calls for bourbon, you can substitute whiskey if that’s what you have availabke. Bourbon, being a type of whiskey, has a distinctive caramel and vanilla profile that pairs beautifully with pears. However, if you prefer a different style of whiskey, such as rye or Scotch, feel free to experiment. Each type of whiskey will create a unique twist to the cocktail.

How to Make Honey Syrup

Honey syrup is a simple yet essential ingredient of this Bourbon Pear Smash. It’s easier to mix into cocktails than plain honey, which can be thick and often sinks to the bottom of the glass Here’s how to make it:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup honey
   • 1 cup hot water
2. Instructions:
   • In a bowl or a heatproof container, combine the honey and hot water.
   • Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved into the water.
   • Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
   • Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a month.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice

For the best flavor in your Bourbon Pear Smash, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon. Squeeze your lemons right before you start making your cocktail for the best results.

2. Try Pebble Ice

Pebble ice, also known as nugget ice or crushed ice, is a great choice for this cocktail. It chills the drink quickly and dilutes it just the right amount, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them. If you don’t have a pebble ice maker, you can use crushed or clear cubed ice, but pebble ice does add a nice touch to the overall experience.

How to Make a Bourbon Pear Smash

Now that you’re ready with your ingredients and tools, let’s get into the step-by-step process for making this delightful cocktail.

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Pear:
   • Place the pear slices and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker.
   • Use the muddler to gently crush the pear slices, releasing their juices and mixing them with the honey syrup. Be careful not to over-muddle; you want to extract the flavor without breaking the pear into tiny bits.
2. Add Bourbon and Lemon Juice:
   • Add the bourbon and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker.
   • Fill the shaker with pebble ice.
3. Shake Well:
   • Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want to ensure that all ingredients are well combined and chilled.
4. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with pebble ice.
   • Garnish with a slice of pear and a sprig of fresh mint.
5. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of bourbon, pear, and mint.

How To Make A Pear and Honey Bourbon Smash

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_YQshNO0w-/?igsh=MTZhNXc2bmdqNzg0eQ==

Pear and Honey Bourbon Smash Recipe

More fall cocktail recipes you might like:

• Pear and Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail
• Honey and Ginger Lemon Drop Cocktail
• Apple Whiskey and Cinnamon NY Sour
  

Pear Bourbon Smash