Recipes
Spiced Pear Toddy
H. Joseph Ehrmann
Bartender, Elixir SF Whiskey Bar
San Francisco
The winter holiday season is the perfect time to mix up some hot toddies. This spiced pear version smells like gingerbread cookies baking in the oven—an aroma that will entice guests and warm them up on a chilly night.
Ingredients
Baking Spice Syrup
1 cup water
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. ground allspice
1 whole star anise
1 cup granulated sugar
Spiced Pear Toddy
2 oz. organic vodka
1 oz. green apple puree, thawed
1 oz. pear puree, thawed
4 oz. hot water
1 oz. baking spice syrup
Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Pear wedge, for garnish
Steps
- For baking spice syrup, in medium saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add cinnamon, cocoa, cloves, allspice and star anise; reduce heat to low and simmer 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from stove and pour mixture through strainer into measuring cup. Add enough water to return volume to 1 cup; return mixture to saucepan. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Pour syrup into storage container; seal and refrigerate up to 4 weeks.
- For toddy, in mug or sturdy glass, combine vodka, apple and pear purees, hot water and baking spice syrup; stir to blend. Garnish with cinnamon stick and pear wedge. Serve warm.
Photo courtesy of The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley