This Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzer is the perfect drink to celebrate the season! It combines sweet pear juice, a splash of bubbly, and a hint of bourbon for a cozy twist.
Every sip feels like a warm hug, and it’s so easy to make! I love serving this sparkling delight at gatherings, and watch everyone enjoy it. Cheers to good times and great flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: This is the star of your spritzer! Any good quality bourbon will work, but if you’re looking for something lighter, try using rye for a spicier flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic version, you could replace it with an alcohol-free bourbon alternative.
Pear Juice: Fresh pear juice is best for a vibrant taste. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought pear nectar works well too. You can also blend ripe pears with a little water and strain it for a homemade juice alternative.
Simple Syrup: Feel free to use honey or agave syrup as a healthier substitute. If you’re cutting back on sweetness, just adjust the amount to your liking!
Fresh Herbs: Sage and rosemary add a lovely aroma, but if you don’t have them, thyme can also be a delightful choice. Using dried herbs is fine too; just a pinch will do.
How Do I Make Sure My Spritzer is Perfectly Mixed?
Mixing your spritzer correctly ensures every sip is refreshing and balanced. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by filling your shaker with plenty of ice to chill the mixture properly.
- Shake vigorously—this not only combines the ingredients but also dilutes them slightly, which balances the strong flavors.
- For the best results, strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. This keeps the drink nice and cold.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda at the end for that bubbly finish!
Enjoy the festive vibes while sipping on your delicious spritzer!
Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz pear juice (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pear slices, for garnish
- Fresh sage or rosemary sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy to mix up, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Mixing Bowl:
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill your spritzer and keep it refreshing!
2. Adding Important Ingredients:
Next, add 2 ounces of bourbon, 3 ounces of pear juice, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to the shaker. The simple syrup can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference; feel free to taste as you go!
3. Shaking It Up:
Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps to mix the ingredients well and cool everything down.
4. Preparing the Glass:
While you shake, grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes until it’s about halfway full.
5. Straining the Mixture:
After shaking, strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the ice. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
6. Giving it a Bubbly Twist:
Now, top your drink with sparkling water or club soda for that bubbly finish. Pour as much as you like for your desired fizz!
7. Adding a Touch of Elegance:
For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish your spritzer with a fresh slice of pear and a sprig of sage or rosemary. This not only looks great but adds a lovely aroma as well.
8. Time to Serve:
Serve your Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers immediately while they’re cold and bubbly. Enjoy this festive drink with your friends and family!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Bourbon in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a non-alcoholic version, feel free to substitute the bourbon with an alcohol-free bourbon alternative or simply omit it for a refreshing pear spritzer.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Yes, you can! The amount of simple syrup is adjustable, so taste and add more or less to fit your preference. You can also use honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Spritzer?
It’s best to enjoy this spritzer fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the mixed drink (without the sparkling water) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Re-add sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz!
What Can I Substitute for Pear Juice?
If pear juice isn’t available, apple juice or white grape juice can work quite well as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
