NYC's 5 Best Pear Cocktails
The pear comes to fruition in cocktails across the city at this time of the year. Pureed, muddled, macerated in bitters, the fruit can be creatively added to mixed drinks in a countless number of ways. These 5 New York City spots have mastered the art: Here are our 5 favorite pear cocktails. - By Jonathan Pogash
See Also: NYC's 5 Best Apple Cocktails
Grow A Pear
See Also: The 6 Best NYC Bars For Cognac Lovers
The recently re-vamped cocktail list at Monkey Bar, courtesy of Julie Reiner, really gets quirky with the addition of "Grow A Pear." In it, Ms. Reiner combines cognac, pear eau de vie, pear syrup, lemon and Moscato wine. It's a lovely pearing to the Monkey Bar's tasty food menu.
Old-Fashioned
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At Prime Meats in Brooklyn, the secret ingredient in their Old Fashioned is not so secret anymore: House-made Bartlett pear bitters. Stirred together with rye whiskey and turbinado sugar, and you have yourself a wintry version of the classic cocktail renaissance drink. Our food pairing choice? Funny you should ask. We're gaga over the 1/2 lb. Creekstone certified black angus burger.
Pear Hazelnut Sparkler
If you're looking for liquid satisfaction in and around Grand Central, look no further than The Campbell Apartment (full disclosure: author consults here). If the jam-packed commuter crowd inside is a bit much for you, grab a stool at the Campbell Parlor, just outside the main entrance to the Campbell Apartment. The Pear Hazelnut sparkling wine cocktail, combining Boiron pear puree, Frangelico, and sparkling wine, will prep you for your commute home.
Cactus Pear Margarita
The Cactus Pear Margarita at Mesa Grill is an unforgettable libation. A sweet and tart blend of fresh lime juice, cactus pear syrup, orange liqueur, and tequila (we suggest asking for Partida Blanco tequila), this drink will have you thanking Bobby Flay all the way home. Order a NY strip steak or pork tenderloin and you'll be good to go.
La Cienega
The La Cienega cocktail at Mayahuel is a tantalizing combination of Mezcal, Pear eau de vie, dry vermouth, and velvet falernum. A smokey and spicy drink, she packs a punch, yet remains smooth and elegant on the palate. If you go with friends, make sure to order a pitcher of the drink and cheers - to life!
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Jonathan Pogash, aka The Cocktail Guru, is a beverage consultant, author, and educator.
