Spiced Pear Moscow Mule

The holidays are always a cause for celebration, and celebration calls for festive cocktails to share with friends and family. If you’re not a fan of Champagne or sweet drinks, sometimes your preferences are left off the holiday drink menu. If you’re hosting this year and need a drink to satisfy any palate, try whipping up this Merry Moscow Mule.



A classic Moscow Mule is one of the simplest classic cocktails to prepare. With just a can of ginger beer, a splash of vodka, a squeeze of lime, and an iconic copper mug, this drink packs a spicy and flavorful punch. We’re putting a twist on the traditional recipe with the addition of a spiced pear simple syrup. Just cook down some delicious Royal Riviera® Pears and your favorite winter spices to create a syrup that will add a subtle sweetness to any beverage.

The amount of syrup can be adjusted depending on how much sweetness you like, but we prefer a 1:2 ratio of syrup to alcohol. And, depending on your taste in spirits, the vodka can be substituted for rum (called a Dark and Stormy) or whiskey (a Kentucky Mule). Not a drinker? Ginger Beer is non-alcoholic and tastes amazing with the addition of the syrup and lime. Cheers!

Spiced Pear Moscow Mule Recipe

Ingredients

For Spiced Pear Simple Syrup:

• ¾ cup of pear juice (homemade works great!)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of cardamom
• 1 pear, diced

For Pear Moscow Mule:

• 1oz Spiced Pear Simple Syrup (adjust to preferences)
• 2oz vodka
• Juice of 1 lime
• Sliced pear for garnish

Instructions

For Spiced Pear Simple Syrup:

1. Pour juice and sugar into pot and bring to boil, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add cinnamon stick, nutmeg, cardamom, and diced pear and cook down for 2-5 minutes.
3. Allow mixture to cool completely and then strain to remove residual spices and fruit pieces.
4. Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for longest shelf life, syrup should make 5-10 drinks depending on preferences.

To assemble:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with simple syrup and vodka. Shake vigorously.
2. Pour liquid into copper mug, then add juice of half a lime.
3. Pour in half a can of ginger beer, and fill remainder of mug with ice.
4. Add sliced pear to garnish or float in your cocktail (it makes a great snack!)