Paul Kushner
The Ginger Pear Snap is a festive cocktail that highlights crisp pear and warming ginger with a touch of spice. Pear vodka and ginger liqueur create the flavorful base, while lemon juice and fresh ginger brighten and sharpen the profile. Rhubarb bitters add complexity, and sparkling pear juice gives the drink a lively finish. The rim of gingerbread spice enhances both aroma and presentation, making this cocktail as beautiful as it is delicious. Garnished with rosemary, it’s a drink that feels perfect for fall and winter celebrations, cozy evenings, or holiday gatherings.
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Tasting Notes
The Ginger Pear Snap is a crisp, spiced cocktail that highlights the natural sweetness of pear with a warm ginger backbone. Pear vodka forms the base, brightened by lemon juice and lifted with sparkling pear juice for a refreshing finish. Ginger liqueur and fresh ginger add layered heat and depth, balancing fruitiness with spice. Rhubarb bitters provide a subtle tart edge, giving the drink extra dimension. The gingerbread spice rim complements the flavor profile with aromatic warmth, while rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note. The result is a cocktail that feels festive, refreshing, and seasonally inspired.
Equipment and Glassware
This Ginger Pear Snap requires just a few tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending the vodka, liqueur, lemon juice, ginger, and rosemary while chilling them thoroughly. A jigger ensures precise measurements for balance, while a muddler or bar spoon can help release fresh ginger flavor if desired. A fine strainer makes for a smoother pour. To prepare the rim, a shallow dish is useful for holding gingerbread spice. A highball glass is the recommended serving vessel, as it provides space for ice, sparkling pear juice, and garnishes. Together, these tools make preparation straightforward and efficient.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pear vodka
- 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce fresh ginger
- Sprig of rosemary
- Dash rhubarb bitters
- 3 ounces sparkling pear juice
- Gingerbread spice for rimming glass
Instructions
- Rim a Highball glass with gingerbread spice. To do this, moisten the rim with a lemon wedge or some of the ginger liqueur, then dip the rim into a plate of gingerbread spice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the pear vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, fresh ginger, and a sprig of rosemary.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Fill the rimmed glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass. Top with rhubarb bitters and sparkling pear juice.
- Enjoy your Ginger Pear Snap cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor balance.
- Muddle the fresh ginger in the shaker for a stronger ginger kick.
- For a smoother drink, double strain before pouring into the glass.
- Chill the highball glass ahead of time for extra refreshment.
- Swap sparkling pear juice with sparkling apple cider for variation.
- Adjust the gingerbread spice rim to taste—lighter for subtlety, heavier for bold spice.
- Add a thin pear slice garnish alongside the rosemary for added presentation.
When to Serve
The Ginger Pear Snap is a perfect cocktail for fall and winter gatherings, especially around festive occasions. Its pear and ginger flavors make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving aperitifs, holiday parties, or seasonal brunches. The sparkling finish keeps it refreshing enough for daytime entertaining, while the warm spices and bitters make it suitable for cozy evening celebrations as well. Its festive rim and aromatic garnish give it a polished look, making it ideal for serving to guests when presentation matters. Whether enjoyed in a casual or celebratory setting, it highlights the season beautifully.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Pear Vodka: Absolut Pears, Grey Goose La Poire, or Smirnoff Pear for accessible options.
- Ginger Liqueur: Domaine de Canton or The King’s Ginger for bold flavor.
- Sparkling Pear Juice: R.W. Knudsen, Belvoir, or Lorina for balanced sweetness and fizz.
- Bitters: Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters or The Bitter Truth Rhubarb Bitters.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed preferred, though Lakewood Organic is a quality bottled choice.
- Fresh Ginger: Firm, aromatic roots are best for muddling or infusion.
- Spice Rim: Blend ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a homemade gingerbread mix.
Similar Cocktails
- Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur
- Apple Pear Martini
- Pear Drop Martini
- Vodka Pear Spritz
- Pear Tree Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pear vodka
- 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce fresh ginger
- Sprig of rosemary
- Dash rhubarb bitters
- 3 ounces sparkling pear juice
- Gingerbread spice for rimming glass
Instructions
- Rim a Highball glass with gingerbread spice. To do this, moisten the rim with a lemon wedge or some of the ginger liqueur, then dip the rim into a plate of gingerbread spice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the pear vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, fresh ginger, and a sprig of rosemary.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Fill the rimmed glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass. Top with rhubarb bitters and sparkling pear juice.
- Enjoy your Ginger Pear Snap cocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a stronger ginger kick, muddle the fresh ginger before shaking.
- Use a homemade gingerbread spice mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for a personal touch.
- Swap sparkling pear juice for sparkling wine to make a festive variation.
