by Valerie Ashe photo by Stephanie Cameron

Poire William is an eau de vie (water of life), or double-distilled fruit brandy, made from the Williams pear, known as the Bartlett pear in the United States. It is generally served chilled as an after-dinner drink. Some producers of Poire William include an entire pear inside each bottle by attaching the bottle to a budding pear tree so the pear will grow inside. If Poire William is unavailable, try any pear or fruit brandy for this recipe.

Print Recipe

Poire William Champagne Cocktail

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Simple Syrup
  • 1 Teaspoon Poire William French pear brandy
  • Gruet Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine chilled
  • 1 slice pear for garnish

Simple Syrup

  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Water

Instructions

For Simple Syrup

  • Add ingredients to a saucepan and let simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.

For Cocktail

  • Add simple syrup and Poire William to a champagne flute and stir gently. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with pear slice.