It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and I’m thinking about cocktails I’d like to drink during my most favorite of all holidays. Fruit, spice, and the warmth of bourbon – all those woodsy and caramel and vanilla notes – that’s what I’m looking for right now. So I decided to – literally – smash all those together in one really fantastic drink that I hope you try this turkey day. – Andrew

Vanilla-Pear Bourbon Smash

2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/4 of a Pear, Diced
1 piece of Vanilla Bean, about an inch long
Perry (optional)

In a dry cocktail shaker, grind up the vanilla bean with a muddler, then add the pear and muddle that too. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Put a few big pieces of ice in the shaker and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with fresh cracked ice. Enjoy!

This drinks works just fine like this, with lots of fruit and warm vanilla spice flavors, and just enough tart zing from the lemon to balance out the sweetness of the pears and bourbon. But I also really like it topped with a splash of perry, an alcoholic drink made from fermented pears the way (hard) cider is made from apples. The perry adds an edge of crisp, dry fruit and a sparkling fizz that really peps up the drink.

But look: this is Thanksgiving. There’s no need to stress about the drinks.

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Glassware by Liquorary

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper