Winter is officially in full gear, which comes with its share of ups and downs. Aside from the downside of chilly, rainy weather, there the upside of having a plethora of fabulous seasonal ingredients. One of my favorites being red bartlett pears, and as much as I enjoy eating them, I love using them in cocktails much, more more! What I love about this cocktail is the use of rosemary and seasonal fruit. Pairing it with vodka is an easy fit since it is such a versatile spirit.

The best way to incorporate rosemary into your cocktail aside from using it as a garnish is to infuse it into an at-home syrup. This simple technique provides all the flavor of the herb without too much effort or time.

HOW-TO

Ingredients:

2 parts Absolut Vodka
2 parts Rosemary-Pear Simple Syrup
4 parts Soda Water
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
2 Rosemary Sprig (for garnish & simple syrup)
1 Pear (for garnish & simple syrup)
Crushed Ice

Directions:

Rosemary-Pear Simple Syrup:

Mix sugar and water in a small pot over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Once sugar is dissolved remove from heat and add the rosemary sprigs and muddled pear.  Let steep for an additional 5-10 minutes. Strain and transfer mixture to a sealable jar and store in the fridge, the mixture should last at least two weeks.

Add crushed ice to high-ball glass, filling about 3/4 full. Pour Absolut Vodka on ice, stirring with a bar spoon. Next, top with simple syrup and top with soda water, stirring one final time. Garnish with pear silvers and sprig of rosemary.

Cheers,

Kelly

Thank you Absolut for partnering with me on this post. Enjoy responsibly.