There is arguably no other time of year flaunting more distinct flavors than fall. Perhaps it is due to coming off of summer’s massive bounty, narrowing to a much more finely honed bevy of seasonal produce and the traditional consorting spices.
Though I love the ‘options’ summer’s fare has to offer, I’m distractible and am equally relieved when life becomes a bit more simple with fall’s offerings. One of my favorites is the arrival of pears. I love a pear. They are a self contained still life to me with such a pleasing shape, gorgeous mottled skin and divine flesh. Their Rubenesque appeal makes me think of…..well, booze. Not all the time but my first haul of the fall certainly did.
I’d begun fall baking and spontaneously was motivated to try an infusion with pears and fall spices. It’s a risk when all items fall on my countertop at the same time; they are likely to end up in a jar together, swimming in spirits with fingers crossed over the outcome. I love the result of this particular Mason jar mixology. Tell tale notes of cinnamon, ginger and clove intermingled with the delicate flavor of pear in a deep honey amber tone. The uses are endless in my book from a traditional vodka tonic to more exotic concoctions. This would make perfect gifts for the holidays and hostess gifts for parties as well.
I began tasting my infusion at around 5 days, loved the flavor but let it keep soaking. The flavor will deepen with time and I suggest tasting it periodically until the depth of flavor is to your liking. Batches can be made larger for a higher yield by maintaining the proportions in the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pears, ripe, firm, cored and sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 1/8th inch slices ginger
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 cups vodka
- Quart jar
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the jar, seal, store in a dark, cool location. Taste at 5 days. If flavor is desireable, strain vodka into a clean jar and seal until using.
- If deeper flavor is desired, continue to infuse until flavor is prefered then strain and seal in a clean jar.
Notes
Infusion duration: 5-14 days
Some cocktails to try:
The Pear Ginger Snap. I would whip this up using the Pear Spiced Vodka and substitute some Ginger Infused Vodka (also homemade) for the ginger liqueur.
How to Mix a Spiced Pear Martini for Holiday Cocktail parties
Wow Toni you really have got the bit between your teeth. Another lovely post. Well done and this sounds really scrummy. I will have to try this one. I haven’t very much of my toffee vodka left so I am thinking maybe I will do both at the same time.
Take care
Pattypan
xx
That Toffee Vodka may be on my ‘to do’ list very soon PattyPan! By the way I finally surfaced long enough today to send the email I promised! Sorry it took a bit. Enjoy your weekend.
Such a beautiful and tasty idea for holiday gifts!
Thanks Marla! I agree these make a unique and delicious holiday idea.
Wonderful! Small bottles of these would make lovely Thanksgiving or Holiday party take home gifts.
I agree Meeling. The bottles in the photo are 1 cup corked bottles. Considering most cocktails use 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of a spirit per cocktail even at this size you would enjoy 6-8 cocktails from the little bottle. It would be a fun Thanksgiving ‘place card’ idea too. With a little name label and then they could take it home.
I love this idea. Where did you find the small corked bottles?
Hi Jay! I found them at a hobby store and they are food safe. Would be fun to find some vintage bottles at a thrift store too. I loved the size and style of these though.
sorry if this is a dumb ? but “seal”? Does that just mean “put a cork in it” or do you mean vacuum, or water bath or????? I REALLY am going to try this but when I tried cilantro olive oil it just got moldy! : ) thanks
Hi Caole. I mean to put the infusion in a jar or other glass container with a ‘sealeable’ lid or cover. I put mine in Mason jars and use a traditional lid. I would not suggest a cork as I think that will allow a bit of air and possible evaporation since it does not fit completely snugly. Since this is alcholol it does not mold like olive oil infusions can if not kept air tight (those can go bad since the oil reacts with what you are infusing or can become rancid on its own too; does not happen with liquor).
Toni this looks and sounds divine! I bet the pears just add such a wonderful flavor to this vodka! Somehow I am thinking putting a vanilla bean in there as well would be great too.
Your images are gorgeous!
That would be delicious to add a vanilla bean Averie. When I was experimenting I was only thinking of traditional fall spices but your idea is genius! Next batch.
This has some of my very favorite fall flavors, what a great combination!
Thank you Sylvie! I ‘tested’ it in the form of a simple Vodka Tonic and just love the flavors.
I am going to have to try this. My grandmother used to make homemade Bailey’s but I have never tried doing anything like this. I also love the suggested cocktails.
That sounds good Felice, homemade Baileys. I published recipes last year from my family archives for homemade ‘Kahlua’ (coffee liqueur) and homemade Creme de Menthe. So fun to DIY, don’t you think?
I seem to remember her making Kahlua too – she even used to ask her friend who tended bar to keep the old bottles for her so she could clean, sterilize and reuse them. After all she lived through the great depression, so nothing was ever thrown away. I would love to try making Creme de Menthe. I will have to take a little wonder through your archives. I am sure there are lots of treasures there.
This sounds incredible! I’m going to have to try this!
Hope you will Chris and please ‘report back’ with your thoughts when you do!
I always love your cocktail recipes & booze infusions, and this recipe is another knockout. It’s seasonal and inspired, and I adore it. And, cute packaging!
Awwww, thanks Lindsay. It really turned out well. Perfect for this time of year.
This would make such a wonderful gift for people for Christmas. Love how pretty it is. I bet it smells out of this world.
I was thinking the same Kim. It’s different. Has lots of cocktail use options, from a basic ‘and Tonic’ to cocktails too. In expensive to make as well.
I’m making this!
Them party months are coming up too! Visiting your site never fail to put me into a festive mood … whatever the season.
I have too many bottles of vodka sitting around. I now have way too many bottles of vanilla extract. I think I’d rather have way too many bottles of flavored vodka … those won’t last too long
I have said before ANYthing can be infused (people tie down your children and pets). You must have some great options in Malaysia with tropical fruits to infuse Ping? Any infused vodka is good with tonic so elaborate cocktailing is only the icing on the cake!
Hmm … I’ve never thought of using local fruits. Aunty Choo used to make wine out of anything she can lay her hands on!
Thanks for the idea!