Happy Hour: Pear Sazerac

Ever since I made Peartinis in January, I've had a bottle of Grey Goose La Poire chilling in my freezer and wondering when it might be useful again. Sometimes I'll mix it with club soda, but this weekend I decided to seek out another cocktail recipe to let this (surprisingly delicious) pear vodka take center stage.
I never would have expected to find it in a sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail made with Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur.
This version replaces the traditional rye whiskey with pear vodka, and though the concept sounded bizarre, the cocktail was pleasingly crisp with an intensely fresh fruitiness and just a hint of licorice flavor. To get the recipe, read more.
Ingredients Ice Directions Makes 1 cocktail. * To make simple syrup: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until it has dissolved, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until just slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; set aside to cool. May cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.Pear Sazerac

0.25 oz. anise-flavored liqueur, such as Pernod
2 oz. pear vodka, preferably Grey Goose La Poire
0.5 oz. simple syrup*
3 dashes bitters, such as Angostura or Peychaud brand
1 pear wedge, for garnish
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