Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz
I really wanted to create a Fall/Winter shrub this season so when Met Market reached out to me and asked if I'd like some of their incredible Holiday Pears, it was the perfect, serendipitous opportunity! The pears are specially grown for Met Market in Oregon's Rogue River Valley to be the sweetest, creamiest pear you'll ever eat! I've been having one after dinner for dessert and they seriously melt in your mouth. If you have the chance and you're in the Seattle area, go get yourself some ASAP!
The sweet pears are a perfect compliment to warm chai spices and the tang of the vinegar and the whole thing paired with some bourbon and ginger beer makes for one delicious cocktail! I think I might make these for Christmas eve!
Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz
chai shrub
2 c pear, washed and roughly chopped (I used Holiday Pears from Met Market but any pear would work)
2 c organic cane sugar
3 whole cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise
1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins
1/2 t peppercorns, roughly crushed
3 cardamom pods, roughly crushed
2 T loose leaf chai tea
1 c white wine vinegar
cocktail
1 oz pear shrub (recipe above)
1 oz bourbon
3 dashes angostura bitters
6 oz ginger beer (I used Boylan Heritage)
pear slices, to garnish
thyme sprigs, to garnish
make the shrub
In a large mason jar (I used a 32 oz), combine the pears, sugar, tea and all the spices. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, press everything together so the pears begin to break down. After everything is combined, place the lid on and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Shake about twice a day for 72 hours and store at room temperature. After 72 hours, the pears should be completely broken down and sugar dissolved and you should be left with a syrup. Strain the mixture and discard the spent pears and spices and add in the vinegar. Keep shrub in an airtight bottle in the fridge for up to about 3 months.
make the fizz
In a cocktail shaker, combine the shrub, bourbon, and bitters. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a glass and top with ginger beer. Stir, garnish with pear slices and sprig of thyme and enjoy!
This post was crafted in collaboration with Metropolitan Market. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me!
