Pear Vanilla Bourbon Smash is a tasty drink that mixes sweet pears with smooth bourbon. This cocktail brings together fruit and whiskey in a refreshing way. It’s perfect for sipping on warm evenings or serving at parties.
The recipe combines pear, vanilla, bourbon, and ice for a cool, fruity cocktail. The pear adds natural sweetness, while vanilla gives a hint of warmth. Bourbon provides a rich base that balances the other flavors.
This drink is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It’s a fun twist on classic bourbon cocktails. The Pear Vanilla Bourbon Smash offers a nice blend of flavors for both whiskey fans and those who prefer sweeter drinks.
Pear Vanilla Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 ripe pear cut into chunks
- 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Ice
- Pear slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Choose a good quality bourbon for the best flavor. Ripe pears work best as they’re sweeter and easier to muddle. You can make vanilla simple syrup at home by adding a vanilla bean to regular simple syrup.
Instructions
- Put pear chunks in the shaker and muddle well.
- Add bourbon, vanilla syrup, and lemon juice.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pear slice and cinnamon stick.
Muddling the pear releases its juice and flavor. Shaking with ice chills the drink and mixes everything together. Straining keeps out pear bits for a smoother drink.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Pear Vanilla Bourbon Smash offers a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The bourbon provides a warm, oaky base. Pear adds a crisp, fruity sweetness. Vanilla rounds out the drink with smooth, creamy notes.
On the nose, the cocktail presents aromas of ripe pear and rich vanilla. The bourbon’s scent comes through as well, hinting at the drink’s strength.
The first sip reveals a balance of flavors. Bourbon takes center stage, followed by the pear’s natural sweetness. Vanilla lingers in the background, softening the alcohol’s bite.
Texture-wise, the drink is refreshing and easy to sip. Ice helps chill and slightly dilute the mixture. This creates a smoother mouthfeel.
As the ice melts, the flavors meld together more. The drink becomes slightly sweeter and less potent over time.
The finish is long and warm. Bourbon’s spicy notes linger on the tongue. A subtle hint of pear and vanilla remains as well.
This cocktail pairs well with:
- Aged cheeses
- Grilled meats
- Autumn desserts
For best results, serve in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick to enhance the aroma.
Substitute
Pear Vanilla Bourbon Smash is a tasty cocktail, but sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand.
Don’t worry – there are easy swaps you can make.
No pears? Try using apples instead. They have a similar texture and will give the drink a nice fruity flavor.
If you’re out of vanilla, cinnamon makes a good stand-in. It adds warmth and pairs well with both pears and bourbon.
No bourbon in the liquor cabinet? Whiskey or rye can work too. They’ll change the flavor a bit, but still taste great.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and use apple juice or sparkling cider instead. This makes a fun mocktail everyone can enjoy.
Here’s a quick list of possible substitutes:
- Apples for pears
- Cinnamon for vanilla
- Whiskey or rye for bourbon
- Apple juice for a non-alcoholic option
With these easy swaps, you can still make a yummy drink even if you’re missing an ingredient or two.
Get creative and try out different combinations!