This not-too-sweet cocktail or mocktail will be the toast of your holiday gathering. If you like your cocktail a little sweeter, consider rimming half the serving glass with a mixture of coconut sugar and cinnamon.
Tip: For an equally delicious take on this mocktail, replace pears with apples.
Pair with Salmon Salad Boats!
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) very ripe unpeeled pears, about 3 pears, plus a few slices of pear for garnish
1 Tbsp (15 mL) liquid clover honey or maple syrup
1 Tbsp (15 mL) balsamic vinegar
5 thyme sprigs, plus extra for garnish
2 Tbsp (30 mL) water
4 cups (1 L) sparkling water, sparkling wine, or a mixture of the two
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Place rimmed baking tray in oven to warm while oven preheats.
Slice pears in halves, or quarters if large, and remove stems and core. Place pears in large bowl along with honey, vinegar, and thyme. Toss to combine.
Dump pears onto warmed baking tray in a single layer. Bake until easily pierced with fork and lightly browned; this will depend on the size and firmness of the pears, between 20 and 40 minutes. Remove tray from oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
Strip roasted thyme leaves off 3 stems and place in blender, discarding stems and remaining roasted thyme sprigs. Add pears to blender along with 2 Tbsp (30 mL) water, and purée until smooth. Transfer purée to pitcher and refrigerate until ready to use.
When ready to serve, stir in sparkling water or wine or combination. Divide among champagne glasses and garnish each with a slice or two of pear and a sprig of thyme.
Each serving contains: 43 calories; 0 g protein; 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 11 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 5 mg sodium
Source: Holiday Cocktail Party
