“Hold the Alcohol” Pear and Rosemary Fizz

You know the best thing about the cocktail trends we’re seeing in New York City bars and restaurants this year?  Except for maybe making your own, small batch Vermouth, they’re all easy to execute at home.  We’re especially digging the idea of using savory elements in our tipples, including fresh produce and aromatic herbs.

Woodsy Rosemary and spicy Ginger play a central role in this cocktail, which also incorporates yet another trend.  And it’s entirely alcohol free.  Not that you can’t sneak a shot of Bourbon or a jigger of Sherry in there if you want.  But sometimes it’s nice to indulge in a cocktail that’s entirely grown-up in flavor without being, well, intoxicating.

So the next time you’re looking to raise a toast (without actually ending up toasted yourself,) consider making up a pitcher of these celebratory Pear and Rosemary Fizzes!

Pear and Rosemary Fizz
Makes about 6 drinks

Ingredients:
1 cup 100% pear juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cups honey
1/4 cup sugar
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into coins
1 liter bottle of unflavored Club Soda
2 fresh pears, thinly sliced
Ice

Directions:
Combine pear juice, lemon juice, honey, sugar, rosemary, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugars.

Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes.  Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.  Let syrup cool completely.

Pour syrup and club soda into a pitcher. Add the sliced pears, and stir gently to combine. To serve, pour into 8-ounce glasses filled halfway with ice cubes.