Winter Punch is a sweet and vibrant cocktail with pear and orange liqueur, pomegranate and orange juice. Make a single or enough to share for your next gathering! Disclosure: Many thanks to Dreyfus Ashby for sending a bottle of Golden Eight Pear Liquor by Massenez. All opinions are my own.
The liquor store can be an intimidating place. I’m amazed at the dizzying array of alcohol; the varieties are endless. It’s sometimes hard to know what to try and how to mix it.
I often find myself Googling, attempting to learn how to use one of the many flavors and types of vodka or figuring out what the smoothest tequila is. This takes way too much time, and I’m easily distracted by another pretty bottle or a new wine to try.
Years ago, I received the book Drinkology, a gift in support of my efforts to become a better home bartender. For a novice like me, it was a bit overwhelming, and still is somewhat. The book includes what beverages belong in what type of glassware, basics for setting up a decent home bar, tools of the trade and is organized in spirits based sections. It’s become an essential reference tool when I have an idea or am feeling pretty clueless about a mixer. I need to start hauling it to the liquor store with me.
For some time, I got stuck in a rut of mixing the same cocktail, The Cosmopolitan. It’s good, right? And a girl’s gotta have a quick and easy cocktail she can whip up quick. But a few years ago I started breaking out of that rut and trying new to me mixers, with the help of that trusty old book and bloggers I follow. I got bold when we’d go out, asking the bartender to surprise me. Always an adventure ;).
Since, a few new-to-me I’ve made include Bourbon Apple Cider Shrub, Peach Smash, Orange Drop and a mixer my big sister shared with me, aptly named The Big Sister. One of my most popular drink recipes.
Oh, and that sipper my Mamaw would be proud of, Mamaw’s Holiday Coffee.
Being a hound for new cocktail recipes, I’m always on the lookout.
So when I spied a recipe in the newspaper calling for pear liqueur, of which I had never heard, I got busy looking for it. I looked high and low on our Island home, making phone calls, and asking store clerks to help. I had no success. I was deflated, but realize this is part of living on an island. Things are simpler and not always well-stocked.
I forgot about it for a while, then went on the hunt again.
I finally located a bottle of pear liqueur, and yes, it’s as sublime as I imagined; sweet with rich notes of caramelized pear and vanilla. I’ve more plans for this liqueur.
In this recipe, I’ve paired pear liqueur with orange, pomegranate and a bit of vodka. It’s a sweet-tart cocktail, to be enjoyed slowly. I absolutely love its color.
Make a single or a larger batch to share. I’ve included recipes for both.
I’m curious to know if you have a book for referencing cocktail recipes that you’d recommend? Please share below!
Much love and peace to you and yours this holiday season!
the recipe
Winter Punch
Ingredients
For One Serving:
- 1/2 oz (14g) Vodka
- 3/4 oz (21g) Cointreau
- 3/4 oz (21g) Pear Liquor
- 2 oz (56g) Pomegranate Juice
- 1 oz (28g) Orange Juice, fresh squeezed
- Orange twist and/or pomegranate arils for garnish
For Six Servings:
- 3 oz (84g) Vodka
- 4 1/2 oz (126g) Cointreau
- 4 1/2 oz (126g) Pear Liqueur
- 12 oz (336g) Pomegranate Juice
- 6 oz (168g) Orange Juice, fresh squeezed
- Orange twist and/or pomegranate arils for garnish
Instructions
For One:
- To a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients, a handful of ice, stir or shake, then strain into a martini or coupe glass. If a clear cocktail is preferred, strain through a fine mesh strainer. Garnish with an orange twist and/or pomegranate arils.
For Six:
- To a large ball jar or measuring container, add all the ingredients with two handfulls of ice. Stir, then strain into a pitcher. If a clear cocktail is preferred, strain through a fine mesh strainer. Garnish with orange twists and/or pomegranate arils.
Hi Traci!
Wow! glad to have read this! A new drink to try out. I am excited because It has Pomegranate and orange, they are my favorite. I think they are well balanced. Another thing Love the sweater, Where did you get that?
Such a great combination, isn’t it? The sweater… oh my, I love it too. I got it about three years ago at REI. I’ve not seen anything else like it there since. Enjoy the cocktail my dear! :D
This is stunning, Traci! The color is just perfection. Also the complexity in flavor – I love everything you used + the sweet and tart factor. I’m such a novice with cocktails, but this looks like the perfect recipe to get me going in 2017 <3
Such a gorgeous drink, that color is stunning! Happy New Year, Traci! :)
This is absolutely stunning my dear. I have been a cocktail person until few years ago. This beauty just makes me wanna go and make myself one. Gorgeous gorgeous pictures.
Happiest 2017 darling Traci!!! Have a wonderful year ahead.
xoxo
Thank you so much Ash. Cocktails are such a treat, for sure. I find I indulge a bit more during the holidays and prefer them over wine. Happy 2017 to you too my dear!
I’m not very adventurous with cocktails, Traci – to be honest I’m a wine girl – but this looks wonderful and such a pretty color. I’ve never heard of pear liqueur but it sounds delicious. Gorgeous photos! Happy holidays, Traci!
I won’t pass up a good glass of Red, Geraldine. I’m completely on the fence because I enjoy both so much! Happy holidays to you too my friend. xo
Wow, I’m still thinking about Mamaw’s special coffee and now this holiday beauty :) I won’t be of much help on the referencing front I’m afraid – I generally pick bottles according to how pretty the labels are LOL – the pear liqueur sounds divine and I like how you offer different serving sizes. A delicious festive punch is always appreciated and I think the orange and pom would be a perfect base for a non-alcoholic option as well. Traci, love seeing you in photos; beautiful! Wishing you a wonderful, restorative holiday with many new adventures in 2017.
There’s time for both, Kelly! I’m with you on pretty bottles… there’s a wine I’m particularly fond of and was drawn to it first by it’s beautiful label.. Dreaming Tree is the name; a blended Red. It’s a favorite! Agreed about the orange and pom.. it’s a delight together! Thank you for your support and love Kelly… sending all my best for a beautiful holiday my dear. xo
Ohh just reading your description of pear liquor makes me want a bottle STAT! I’m admittedly the same when it comes to cocktails, always mixing the same ones (it’s an old fashioned for me!). I could totally get behind this drink, especially with that pretty pink color! Happy holidays to you and yours! xoxo
It’s quite a treat, Abby! I hope you’ll give it a try! I love a good old fashioned too.. no wonder it’s a classic! Thank you, Abby and to you as well! xo
I know this is a little off topic, but I NEED to know where you got that jacket in the photo where you’re holding this gorgeous cocktail. I LOVE asymmetrical zippers!! :D Also, I hope you and your family have a wonderful and joyful Christmas and Holiday! Sending hugs, Traci <3
hehe… I got this little sweater over three years ago at REI. It’s a winter staple, Sarah! Send you all the best my dear! :D