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This Smoky Pear & Star Anise Shrub Collins reimagines the classic Collins with a tangy, vinegar-based shrub infused with warm star anise and a hint of smoke. Crisp apple cider vinegar balances sweet pears for a bright, layered flavor that sparkles with club soda.
A quick maceration and a day of refrigeration transforms fresh pear into a complex syrup you’ll reach for all season. Shake with gin and lemon juice over ice, then top with soda for a refreshing cocktail that’s equal parts cozy and effervescent.
Ingredients
PEAR & STAR ANISE SHRUB
- 2 ripe pears, cored and chopped
- 4 star anise pods
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
COCKTAIL
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz pear & star anise shrub
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Club soda, to top
- Ice
- Garnish: 1 star anise pod and 1 thin pear slice
Instructions
- Combine the chopped pears, star anise pods, and granulated sugar in a clean jar.
- Stir thoroughly, cover, and let macerate at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring once to dissolve the sugar.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Strain the shrub through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing to extract all liquid and discarding solids.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add gin, pear & star anise shrub, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a star anise pod and a thin pear slice before serving.
Notes
Note: Store the shrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and use it to brighten cocktails or sparkling water.
Tips & Tricks:
- For a deeper smoky flavor, briefly smoke the chopped pears with liquid smoke or in a smoking gun before making the shrub.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the shrub, then taste before adding vinegar.
- Swap gin for vodka or mezcal for different flavor profiles.
- Store the shrub in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; use it to brighten sodas or other cocktails.
