Manuka Honey Pear Margarita

Some may think of margaritas as being a summer drink, or at the least, a drink that should always be paired with Mexican food. However, the versatility of margaritas, and the variety of flavors that it can be made with make it a cocktail that can actually feel in-season any time of year.

Pears are a popular fruit to enjoy in the fall and winter. They’re subtly sweet and delicious. Many winter and holiday season recipes call for pears, which inspired us to create a cocktail incorporating this green fruit. This cocktail calls for ingredients you likely already have at home between your bar cart and kitchen. It’s quite simple to make, and is a nice change from a classic margarita. Wow your guests with this special touch on the popular drink.

A classic margarita includes tequila, triple sec and lime juice. In our version, we swapped the lime juice for pear juice, and created a simple syrup using Manuka Honey. The combination of pear and the Manuka Honey simple syrup creates a flavor just sweet enough to balance out the flavor of the liquor. The result is a juicy and refreshing cocktail perfect for your holiday gatherings.

You can’t make a proper margarita without rimming the glass! While a standard margarita is rimmed with sugar or salt, in this recipe, we opted to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar, which pairs well with the strong taste of the liquor and the crisp taste of pear. The better the presentation of a cocktail, the more delicious it tastes…in our opinion at least. Make your margarita pretty by garnishing it with a cinnamon stick and a slice of pear. If you really enjoy the flavor of cinnamon and want to add a little extra spice to your drink, sprinkle some cinnamon onto the top of the drink, or the pear garnish.

If you love the flavor of pear, you must also try our Honey Pear Bites recipe. They make a great finger food/appetizer for any party. And, if you’re hosting several gatherings this year and looking to switch up your standard cocktail menu, we suggest trying our Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Cocktails. Not only are they refreshing and delicious, but also…dare we say….a little bit healthy!

After making these cocktails, you may need to replenish your Manuka Honey stock. Don’t forget to grab an extra jar or two so you don’t find your pantry shelf empty when you need it for another recipe!