It’s almost Friday, which means you’re probably already planning tomorrow’s happy hour (as you should be). But not just any happy hour—a fall happy hour. But instead of choosing the typical autumn drinks like an appletini or a pumpkin beer, why not branch out (literally) to the little forgotten about fall fruit: the pear.
The pear usually isn’t the star of the fall season. Overshadowed by the pumpkins, butternut squash and apples of autumn, this small fruit typically takes the backseat. But not at Lucca’s bar. I was pleasantly surprised to see a Spiced Pear cocktail planted on the Lucca drink menu. How refreshing.
And since autumn officially starts this weekend, I think that warrants celebration, either at Lucca or at home. So, if you’re going out, order their Spiced Pear cocktail. Or if you’re staying home, make one for yourself. Instructions below. No matter how you choose to imbibe, here are two choices for your fall happy hour.
Buy it
That picture should say it all. Lucca’s cocktail glass filled to the brim with Grey Goose “Le Poire” Vodka, Canton ginger cognac, pear puree and a dash of cayenne pepper. Mix that all up and voila—a delicious, perfectly fall drink. As soon as the cocktail arrived at my table, I could smell the sweet pear aroma. But luckily, it doesn’t taste quite as sweet as it smells. The cocktail’s autumnal spices and pear-tasting vodka went down smoothly with a slight kick at the end—probably from that ginger cognac.
But if you’re more of a Friday night homebody, you should…
Make it yourself
Or something similar anyway. I found this cocktail recipe in Imbibe Magazine and I have to say it sounds pretty awesome. Maybe even better than the Lucca option. You’ll have to find out for yourself.
“Oh Pear”
From Imbibe Magazine
2 oz. Irish whiskey (Jameson suggested)
1 oz. fresh pear puree (Red Bartlett suggested)
1/2 oz. pear liqueur (Belle de Brillet suggested)
1/2 oz. Drambuie
Ice cubes
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cocktail, chilled
How to Prepare: Shake ingredients for 30 seconds in an ice-filled shaker and strain into a
chilled glass.
“Oh Pear” photo courtesy of Imbibe Magazine
