Cooking Lesson #979: Winter Pear Margarita

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

credit: Gelson’s Markets

How you doin’? What I really like about tequila is that it’s so versatile and you can add so many complementary flavors. The secret to this very beautiful winter margarita is an intense pear flavor. Pears have a very luscious but delicate flavor which can only be intensified with a homemade pear simple syrup.
 
To make it, chop a couple of pears and boil them down with just half a cup of water and sugar which makes it highly concentrated in flavor and dense in texture. I love its pear fruity sweetness which softens the tequila, creating a wonderfully light cocktail that is flowery, lime-y and with light herbal notes.
 
Its pale yellow sophistication will be perfect anywhere you need a special light cocktail. This cocktail is without a bite and is absolutely delightful to sip.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Chill time:  30 minutes
Cook time:  20 minutes (to make the simple syrup)
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
For the pear simple syrup
2 pears, cored and diced small
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
 
For the pear margarita
2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 lime wedge
Ice

For the cocktail
2-1/2 ounces pear simple syrup
4 ounces silver tequila
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce St-Germain liqueur (I love this flavor)
 
Directions
To make the pear simple syrup

1. In a large saucepan, combine the pears, water and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pears are softened. Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup steep for 20 minutes.
4. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a quart-sized container.
5. Use a rubber spatula to press any excess syrup out of the pears.
6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
7. Syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

To make one Pear Margarita

1. On a small plate, combine the chopped thyme and granulated sugar.
2. Rub the lime wedge on the outer wall of a coupe glass. Gently press and roll the glass in the thyme sugar and then chill it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, combine the pear syrup, tequila, lime juice, triple sec and St-Germain liqueur.
4. Shake for about 20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared coupe glass. Enjoy!

ChefSecret:  According to most experts, the "Comice" pear is widely considered the most flavorful pear due to its exceptionally sweet taste, juicy texture and buttery, creamy flavor profile. It's often called the "pear lover's pear."

Quip of the Day:  Slice a pear and you will find that its flesh is incandescent white. It glows with
inner light. Those who carry a knife and a pear are never afraid to be in the dark.
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