I started out a little uninspired when concepting this week’s cocktail: the 100-degree temps were calling for something refreshing and fruity, but I’ve been feeling a little “done” with super summery drinks like sangria and margaritas (and no, I haven’t been drinking them…just mixing and photographing them!) After scanning some of my favorite cocktail recipes for inspiration, it dawned on me that something herbal might strike the perfect balance between summer and bordering-on-fall…then realized that pears would make a delish complement to the abundant fresh thyme overflowing in my garden right now. This cocktail could not be simpler, and since all the ingredients can be mixed together in a big pitcher, it’s party-perfect. For maximum flavor, combine the apple juice, pears and thyme a few hours before serving, and similar to a sangria, the fruit and herbs infuse the entire drink with a more complex flavor. I’m thinking these would work as well for this weekend’s pool party as they would for an autumnal get-together in a couple months! Keep reading for more images and the recipe… 

Champagne flutes from Anthropologie.

Pear & Thyme Fizz

*serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups good-quality apple juice
  • 1 ripe but firm pear, very thinly sliced
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur (I like grand marnier)
  • 1 bottle sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, cava, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine apple juice, pears, thyme and liqueur. Stir together, then refrigerate for 2 – 4 hours to allow the pears and thyme to infuse the juice with flavor.

2. Divide between 6 champagne flutes, discarding thyme, then fill remainder of each glass with champagne. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh thyme. Bottoms up!

 

Share this Post

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments (31)
  1. 1
    Debra August 3, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    beautiful and yummy

    Reply
  2. 2
    Lisa Dreissig August 3, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    This looks delicious! I’ve been looking for an excuse to pop open the champagne chilling in the fridge, and my thyme in the garden is just out of control! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. 3
    Kacie // A Collection of Passion August 3, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    That looks and sounds SO refreshing! I need one now! Happy Friday!

    Kacie

    Reply
  4. 4
    Gina August 3, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    Oh my gosh, it looks delicious!!!

    http://www.eatblogpray.blogspot.com
    xo

    Reply
  5. 5
    [email protected] August 3, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Must try … 😉 xxx

    Reply
  6. 6
    meatballs & milkshakes August 15, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    Sounds delicious! I want one right now!

    Reply
  7. 7
    alaine1910 April 29, 2016 at 7:18 am

    This is one of the best bases to add any sparkling wine to – Fantastic

    Reply