Pear Moscow Mule Recipe

The holidays are always a cause for celebration, and that always calls for festive cocktails to share with friends and family. If you're not a fan of sparkling wine 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 pear 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 pear simple syrup.

Just cook down some delicious Royal Riviera Pears and a sprig of thyme to create a syrup that will add a subtle sweetness to any beverage. If you prefer a more wintery spice version of this cocktail, add 2 sticks of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom instead of thyme to the syrup and cook as directed below. (There's this alternate version, too.) 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, effervescent, and tastes amazing with the addition of the syrup and lime.

Pear Moscow Mule Recipe

PREP TIME: 5 minutesCOOK TIME: 15 minutesCOOL TIME : 10 minutesTOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

SERVINGS

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Ingredients

For the pear simple syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 chopped Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears (one for garnish, two for the syrup)
• 3 sprigs of thyme

For the pear Moscow mule

• 2 ounces good quality vodka
• 2 ounces pear simple syrup
• Juice from half a lime
• 4 ounces ginger beer

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Instructions

For the pear simple syrup

1
Add the water, sugar, chopped pears and thyme sprigs to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
While it comes to a boil, periodically stir and mash the pears with a wooden spoon, as the sugar dissolves.
3
When it starts to boil, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken a bit.
4
Strain the liquid into a medium sized mason jar and discard the pears and thyme sprigs.
5
Allow the mixture to cool completely before using or placing in the refrigerator.

To assemble

1
Fill a Moscow mule mug with ice (optional: pre-chill mug in freezer).
2
Add vodka, simple syrup, lime juice and ginger beer; stir to combine.
3
Garnish with a pear slice and sprig of thyme.