If you’ve ever looked around your house in the month of November to see a housekeeping disaster, bored kids that keep calling your name, and a suspiciously missing husband, then you’ll understand the inspiration behind this spiced pear and apple cocktail, the Hunter's Window. Imagine a cocktail that’s as crisp as autumn air, as smooth as a Sunday morning, and as bold as the flavors of your favorite holiday pie—this pear, ginger, and apple pie syrup concoction has it all. And, when your spouse is gone trying to fill the freezer with venison or just enjoy the quiet of the woods (we know that's why they're out there, and next year we should all take hunter's safety...) this cocktail is a nice way to treat yourself while celebrating the season.

In this twist on the classic mule, the Hunter’s Window brings together the sweetness of ripe pears in a vodka that is super easy to make and really elevates the drink, plus zesty ginger and spiced Apple Pie syrup.

These pear cocktails are easy to make a round of, and could really impress folks at Thanksgiving dinner- imagine saying "yeah, I actually made that vodka..."

Or mix one up for a cozy night in or a cocktail competition with friends. Whether you’re pouring vodka or going the non-alcoholic route with a pear mocktail version, the Hunter's Widow is a fan favorite and this drink is a must-try.

Photo by Vita

ingredients

• 2 cups ice
• 1 ½ ounces pear infused vodka (see recipe below)
• 4 ounces nonalcoholic ginger beer of choice (or sub in 1-ounce Simple Goodness Mowich Mule Mix, + 3 ounces of seltzer)
• ¾ ounce Simple Goodness Apple Pie or Pear syrup
• Optional: fresh slice of pear + a rosemary sprig, fresh nutmeg grated on top, or cinnamon stir stick
• ¼ small-medium lime, sliced lengthwise

How to Make it:

Add ice to an Old Fashioned glass or copper mule mug. Add vodka, ginger beer (or shrub + seltzer if using), and stir 5 times around. Measure in syrup and stir lightly again. Slice a lime lengthwise in quarters, squeeze ¼ of the lime into the glass. Garnish with pear slice and a fresh rosemary sprig, grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.

For the Pear Vodka:

Rough slice (they don't have to be pretty) one ripe pear and add it to 375 ml (half a fifth) of vodka. You can use a bowl or a mason jar for this. Let the vodka infuse for 12-24 hours. Then strain out the fruit solids and store the strained vodka in a glass bottle or jar with a cap. Be sure to label it!

The Hunter’s Widow nonalcoholic Mocktail:

I absolutely love this drink as a mocktail! It has tons of substance and complexity from the acidic lime, spicy ginger beer, and sweet-tart fruits. Substitute the spirit for additional ginger beer or replace the liquor with a shot of pear juice. Or, follow the Pear Vodka recipe using an NA vodka as your infusion base and add that in.