Pear & Honey Martini

This is my little spin on the classic French Pear Martini - minus the elderflower syrup. This gin martini is delicious sweet without being cloying and filled with mouthwatering honey and pear flavours. It’s sweet but a sophisticated drink in my opinion, and perfect for entertaining if you want to make a big batch of it, then top it with some sparkling wine to serve!

In this recipe I’ve included how to make a simple pear and honey syrup first, before moving onto the cocktail making.

For the Pear & Honey Syrup:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 green pears, washed and cored

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/3 of caster sugar

• 2 1/2 cups of water

INSTRUCTIONS

• Roughly chop pears into 2.5 cm chunks then put a medium pot on high heat. Add pears, honey, sugar and water to the pot.

• Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally brfore reducing heat to medium - low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the mixture has reduced Slightly and all the sugar is dissolved.

• Carefully strain mixture, discarding any fruit pieces then bottle syrup. Set aside to cool at room temperature before storing in the fridge for up to two weeks.

For the martini: To make a batch (serves 8)

INGREDIENTS

• 8 shots of gin (or vodka)

• 8 shots of pear and honey syrup

• 1 bottle of champagne or dry sparkling wine

• ice (large whiskey cubes are preferable as they melt slower)

• To garnish: thinly sliced pear or sprig of thyme

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large cocktail jug add gin and syrup. Add ice and give it a good stir until the glass is chilled and everything is mixed well.

• Top with champagne and garnish with sprigs of thyme and spices of pear.

Notes:

• If you are making this ahead spritz the pear slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. It’s also a good idea to chill the syrup and alcohol in the fridge.

• If you are making this for one, use 1 shot each of syrup and gin, then 2 shots champagne. Stit with ice to mix then rim a glass in lemon juice and caster sugar then garnish with a sprig of thyme or pear.