Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz

Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz is a delightful drink that brings together fresh pears, warm spices, and the smoothness of bourbon. This cocktail has a unique blend of flavors that makes every sip feel like a cozy hug. The pear shrub offers a sweet and tangy base that pairs perfectly with the spices from the chai, while the bourbon adds a lovely warmth. When you top it all off with ginger beer, you get a fizzy finish that lifts the entire drink. It’s perfect for gatherings with friends or a relaxing evening at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love the Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz for many reasons. First, it combines fresh fruit and aromatic spices, which creates a refreshing yet comforting taste. The hints of cinnamon, ginger, and star anise make your taste buds dance. Second, this drink is very easy to make at home. You don’t need professional bartending skills to whip up this cocktail. You can impress your friends and family with minimal effort. Lastly, the drink is versatile. It works well as a fancy cocktail for a party or a simple treat after a long day. The flavors are crisp and bright, making it a drink for all occasions.

HOW TO MAKE Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz

Ingredients

To make our Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups pear, washed and roughly chopped
• 2 cups organic cane sugar
• 3 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns, roughly crushed
• 3 cardamom pods, roughly crushed
• 2 tablespoons loose leaf chai tea
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 ounce pear shrub
• 1 ounce bourbon
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 6 ounces ginger beer
• Pear slices, to garnish
• Thyme sprigs, to garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Now, let’s go through the steps to make this tasty drink.

To make the shrub:

1. Get the jar: Take a large mason jar. This will be where all the flavors come together.
2. Combine ingredients: Add the chopped pears, organic cane sugar, loose leaf chai tea, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger coins, and the crushed peppercorns and cardamom pods into the jar.
3. Muddle: Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, press everything together. This helps the pears break down and release their juice.
4. Mix it up: Once everything is well mixed, put the lid on the jar. Shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. This will help combine the sugar with the other ingredients.
5. Shake daily: Leave the jar at room temperature and give it a shake about twice a day for 72 hours. You’ll notice the pears breaking down and the sugar dissolving.
6. Strain the mixture: After 72 hours, the pears should be completely mushy, and you will have a syrup. Use a strainer to remove the spent pears and spices.
7. Add vinegar: Pour in the white wine vinegar to the syrup and stir well. This will add that tangy touch to your shrub.
8. Storage: Keep your pear shrub in an airtight bottle in the fridge. It will last for about three months.

To make the fizz:

1. Prepare the shaker: Take a cocktail shaker and add 1 ounce of the pear shrub, 1 ounce of bourbon, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well: Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. This will mix and chill the drink nicely.
4. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a glass and top it off with 6 ounces of ginger beer.
5. Garnish: Stir gently, then garnish with thin pear slices and a sprig of thyme. Enjoy your refreshing Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz!

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz

When serving your Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz, presentation can enhance the experience. Use tall glasses to showcase the beautiful layers and colors of your drink. The ginger beer will create a frothy head, and the garnishes of pear slices and thyme add a touch of elegance. You can serve this drink over ice for a refreshing experience, perfect for warm days. It’s also a great idea to prepare a batch for a small gathering, allowing everyone to serve themselves.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz

Storing your Pear Chai Shrub is easy. Keep the shrub in an airtight bottle in the fridge. It will last for about three months, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it over time. It’s handy to have on hand for spontaneous cocktail nights or when friends come over.

However, for the cocktail itself, it’s best not to freeze it. The ginger beer will lose its fizz, which is essential for the drink. Always mix it fresh when you are ready to enjoy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and meals. You might enjoy it with cheese platters, especially creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It’s also great with charcuterie boards that include cured meats and olives. If you want a light meal, serve it with a fresh salad featuring pears, nuts, and a light vinaigrette.

For dessert, consider serving with spiced cakes, tarts, or cookies. The flavors of your drink will complement many different dishes, making it quite versatile.

VARIATIONS

If you want to switch up your Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz, there are several variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:

1. Switch the fruit: Instead of pears, use apples or peaches to create a different fruity flavor.
2. Try another spirit: Replace bourbon with rum or vodka for a lighter taste.
3. Add spice: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cloves to add depth.
4. Make it a mocktail: Omit the bourbon and use extra ginger beer for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

These variations are great for experimenting and finding your perfect twist on this delightful drink.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the shrub is ready?

You can tell the shrub is ready after 72 hours when the pears are mushy, and the sugar has completely dissolved into a syrupy mixture.

2. Can I use other types of vinegar?

White wine vinegar is recommended, but you could try apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

3. How can I make this drink less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the shrub or use a drier ginger beer.

4. Can I make a big batch?

Yes! You can easily multiply the recipe to make a larger batch of shrub. Just keep in mind to store it in a bigger airtight container.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz

If you want to prepare your Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz ahead of time, you can make the shrub days in advance. Store it properly in the fridge, and it will be ready when you are.

Additionally, you can prepare the bourbon and shrub mixture in advance and keep it in the shaker. When it’s time to serve, just add ice and top with ginger beer. This makes it easy to whip up cocktails when guests arrive.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy more time with your friends and family while still serving up delicious drinks.

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This article guides you through making a delightful Pear Chai Shrub + Bourbon Fizz that is both simple and rewarding. Enjoy the process and savor the flavors!

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