I recently prepared a Ginger Pear Martini that combines ripe pear and fresh ginger with a subtle hint of bourbon and tart lemon juice. The interplay of a homemade ginger pear syrup and a dash of spice creates a cocktail that promises an unexpected twist. I look forward to sharing the full recipe.

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I recently discovered this recipe and honestly, its become one of my favorite fall cocktails. I love mixing up a Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini using a homemade ginger pear simple syrup.

Trust me when I say that infusing 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar with a ripe diced pear and a 2-inch piece fresh ginger really gives the drink a unique twist. I start by making the syrup that carries a slight spicy kick, then add in 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz of that syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice for a subtle tartness.

I shake it all with plenty of ice and garnish it with a slice of pear. This cocktail strikes a balance between sweet and spicy and has a fun complexity that makes it perfect for any fall or winter gathering.

Its a delicious twist on classic bourbon martinis that will definitely intrigue your taste buds.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because when I make it, I feel like I get a really unique mix in my glass. The ginger and pear simple syrup gives the cocktail a sweet yet spicy flavor that reminds me of chilly evenings, and I like how the fresh ingredients make it taste so seasonal. I also appreciate that it’s super easy to follow even if I’m in a hurry sometimes and don’t feel like fussing over every single step. Lastly, the balance between the bourbon and the tang from the lemon juice makes every sip fun and refreshing, making it my go-to drink when I want a little twist on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

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Fresh pear: adds natural sweetness and fiber that makes the drink feel lighter and more refreshing.
Fresh ginger: offers a spicy kick and antioxidants that help balance out the syrupy sweet flavours.
Bourbon: brings a bold rich character that deepens the cocktail even though its pretty strong.
Lemon juice: gives a tangy, sour burst that contrasts the sweetness and makes each sip pop.
Sugar: a simple carb that transforms water into a silky syrup, making the cocktail delightfully sweet.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup water (for making the ginger pear simple syrup)

1 cup granulated sugar (for the simple syrup)

1 ripe pear, peeled and diced (to infuse the syrup)

2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced (adds that spicy kick to the syrup)

2 oz bourbon (the base of the cocktail)

1/2 oz homemade ginger pear simple syrup (adjust to taste)

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (for a bit of tartness)

Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)

Pear slice garnish (optional, for a pretty finishing touch)

How to Make this

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1. In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Add the peeled and diced ripe pear along with the thinly sliced 2-inch piece of fresh ginger into the saucepan.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors can really get infused into the syrup.

4. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool a bit. If you don’t like chunks, strain out the pear and ginger pieces.

5. Fill a cocktail shaker with enough ice cubes to chill your drink properly.

6. Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 1/2 oz of your homemade ginger pear simple syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.

7. Shake it well for about 15-20 seconds until the mix is nicely chilled.

8. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass and garnish with a pear slice if you want that extra special look.

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan – to heat and mix water, sugar, pear, and ginger
2. Stirring spoon – for stirring until the sugar dissolves
3. Knife – to dice the pear and slice the ginger
4. Cutting board – for prepping the pear and ginger safely
5. Measuring cup – for accurately measuring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar
6. Measuring spoons or jigger – for measuring bourbon, homemade syrup, and lemon juice
7. Strainer – to remove pear and ginger pieces if you prefer a smooth syrup
8. Cocktail shaker – to chill and mix the bourbon cocktail
9. Ice cube tray – for making enough ice cubes for a proper chill
10. Martini glass – for serving the finished cocktail with a touch of style

FAQ

Q: How do i make the ginger pear simple syrup?

A: It's pretty easy, you just simmer 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, a diced ripe pear and the sliced ginger until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together. Let it cool before using.

Q: Can i adjust the sweetness of the cocktail?

A: Yep, you sure can. If you like it sweeter just add a bit more of the ginger pear syrup, if not reduce the amount. Its all about personal taste.

Q: Can i replace fresh ginger with ground ginger?

A: I wouldn't recommend it cause fresh ginger gives a more vibrant flavor and spice kick. If you must use ground ginger use it sparingly as its more concentrated.

Q: How long does the ginger pear syrup last in the fridge?

A: It should last about a week if stored in an airtight container, so you can make it ahead if you wanna save time when the cocktail hour rolls around.

Q: Do i have to use bourbon or can i use another spirit?

A: Bourbon is the key here for that rich, smoky flavor but if you wanna experiment, try a good quality rye or even a spiced rum for a different twist.

Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of granulated sugar you could use honey or agave nectar, but remember the sweetness level might change a bit.
If you don’t have a ripe pear, try using an apple or peach; the flavor will be different, but it’s still tasty.
Missing fresh ginger? Ground ginger works, just use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
Bourbon can be swapped for rye whiskey or even spiced rum if you’re looking for a different twist.
If you run out of fresh lemon juice, a splash of lime juice will do the job, adding a different kind of citrus punch.

Pro Tips

1. For a more intense flavor, try letting your syrup infuse a bit longer. Sometimes a few extra minutes on a low simmer can really bring out the ginger and pear taste, but watch it so it doesn’t get too thick.
2. When straining the syrup, you can choose to leave a few bits if you like extra texture in your drink. It might not be perfect looking, but it sometimes adds a nice depth to the flavour.
3. Use plenty of ice when shaking your cocktail to get it super cold without watering it down too fast. More ice means a crisper mix and a better overall feel.
4. Feel free to adjust the sweet and sour parts to match your taste, cuz everybody likes a different balance. If its too sour or too sweet, tweak the lemon juice or syrup next time you make it.

Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

185

kcal

Equipment: 1. Small saucepan – to heat and mix water, sugar, pear, and ginger
2. Stirring spoon – for stirring until the sugar dissolves
3. Knife – to dice the pear and slice the ginger
4. Cutting board – for prepping the pear and ginger safely
5. Measuring cup – for accurately measuring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar
6. Measuring spoons or jigger – for measuring bourbon, homemade syrup, and lemon juice
7. Strainer – to remove pear and ginger pieces if you prefer a smooth syrup
8. Cocktail shaker – to chill and mix the bourbon cocktail
9. Ice cube tray – for making enough ice cubes for a proper chill
10. Martini glass – for serving the finished cocktail with a touch of style

Ingredients

1 cup water (for making the ginger pear simple syrup)
1 cup granulated sugar (for the simple syrup)
1 ripe pear, peeled and diced (to infuse the syrup)
2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced (adds that spicy kick to the syrup)
2 oz bourbon (the base of the cocktail)
1/2 oz homemade ginger pear simple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (for a bit of tartness)
Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
Pear slice garnish (optional, for a pretty finishing touch)

Directions

In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the peeled and diced ripe pear along with the thinly sliced 2-inch piece of fresh ginger into the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors can really get infused into the syrup.
Once done, remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool a bit. If you don't like chunks, strain out the pear and ginger pieces.
Fill a cocktail shaker with enough ice cubes to chill your drink properly.
Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 1/2 oz of your homemade ginger pear simple syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
Shake it well for about 15-20 seconds until the mix is nicely chilled.
Strain the cocktail into a martini glass and garnish with a pear slice if you want that extra special look.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.