Paul Kushner
The Pear & Elderflower Collins is a crisp, floral twist on the classic Tom Collins, blending delicate fruit flavors with refreshing sparkle. Vodka (or gin, if you prefer) provides a clean base, while elderflower liqueur adds soft floral sweetness. Pear liqueur and pear purée bring juicy depth, complemented by lemon juice for balance and honey syrup for warmth. Finished with a splash of club soda, this cocktail is light, refreshing, and beautifully layered. Garnished with a thin slice of pear and a dusting of cinnamon, it’s an elegant seasonal cocktail that works equally well for brunches or evening gatherings.
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Tasting Notes
The Pear & Elderflower Collins is light, aromatic, and layered with fruit and floral flavors. Vodka provides a clean foundation, while elderflower liqueur adds delicate sweetness with hints of lychee and citrus. Pear liqueur and pear purée bring depth and richness, offering both freshness and body. Lemon juice adds tart brightness to balance the sweetness, while honey syrup rounds it out with smooth warmth. Club soda finishes the drink with crisp bubbles, keeping it refreshing. Garnished with a thin slice of pear and a dusting of cinnamon, the cocktail is elegant, seasonal, and pleasantly balanced.
Equipment and Glassware
To make the Pear & Elderflower Collins, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending the spirits, purée, and citrus. A bar jigger ensures accurate measurements, while a strainer provides a smooth pour into the serving glass. A bar spoon is useful for a quick stir once the drink is topped with club soda. A fine grater or microplane allows you to finish the cocktail with freshly grated cinnamon for aromatic garnish. For serving, a Collins glass is essential, offering the perfect height for ice, soda, and garnish while maintaining the drink’s bright, refreshing presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1/4 ounce pear liqueur
- 1 ounce pear puree
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup
- Club soda to top
- Thin slice of pear for garnish
- Freshly grated cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka or gin, elderflower liqueur, pear liqueur, pear puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top the drink with club soda and stir briefly to combine.
- Garnish with a thin slice of pear and a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh pear purée for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust honey syrup to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- Slice pears thinly for a clean, attractive garnish.
- Freshly grated cinnamon adds more aroma than pre-ground.
- Chill your Collins glass before serving for longer-lasting refreshment.
- Try gin instead of vodka for a more botanical variation.
- Use high-quality elderflower liqueur for smoother floral notes.
When to Serve
The Pear & Elderflower Collins is best suited for autumn and winter gatherings when pear flavors shine, but it’s refreshing enough to serve year-round. It’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or brunch, offering a light yet flavorful cocktail option. The combination of fruit and floral notes pairs well with cheese boards, roasted poultry, or seasonal desserts like poached pears or spiced cakes. Its balance of bubbles, citrus, and sweetness makes it versatile equally fitting for casual afternoons or more formal occasions where a polished cocktail is appreciated.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Grey Goose
- Absolut
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
- Mathilde Poire (pear liqueur)
Similar Cocktails
- Vodka Apple Orchard
- Fig Thyme Shrub
- Honey Cucumber Vodka Lemonade
- Plum and Thyme Fizz
- Blackberry Sage Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1/4 ounce pear liqueur
- 1 ounce pear puree
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup
- Club soda to top
- Thin slice of pear for garnish
- Freshly grated cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka or gin, elderflower liqueur, pear liqueur, pear puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top the drink with club soda and stir briefly to combine.
- Garnish with a thin slice of pear and a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a ripe, fresh pear to make your own purée for the brightest flavor.
- Swap honey syrup with agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
- If using gin, choose one with soft floral or citrus botanicals to complement the elderflower.
