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Murielle Banackissa

Spicy Pear Hot Toddy

Print recipe
25 mins Prep: 5 mins Cook: 20 mins
Serves 1

Featuring a homemade spicy pear syrup as well as the iconic Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, this fiery drink is a perfect to warm you up on any cold winter night.

Ingredients

Spicy Pear Syrup

  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar
  • ½ bosc pear , peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp peeled and chopped ginger

Hot Toddy

  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 oz Spicy Pear Syrup
  • 5 oz hot water
  • 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Gin
  • 1 pear slice , for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick , for garnish

Recipe

  1. Step 1

    In a small saucepan, bring all of the Spicy Pear Syrup ingredients to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    Reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low for 15-20 minutes until fragrant and thickened. Stir regularly.

  3. Step 3

    Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes then strain into a heatproof jar.

  4. Step 4

    In a small plate, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

  5. Step 5

    Run a slice of lemon around the rim of your mug. Dip your glass into the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

  6. Step 6

    Assemble the cocktail by pouring 1 oz of the Spicy Pear Syrup into a mug. Top with hot water and Empress 1908 Gin. Garnish with a slice of pear and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy immediately.

Common Questions & Swaps

  • Use extra Spicy Pear Syrup in a festive hot chocolate, drizzled on creamy oatmeal, or even on a simple vanilla ice cream. 
Spicy Pear Hot Toddy in a clear glass mug
Spicy pear syrup dripping off a glass jar
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Recipe created in the context of an Instagram partnership with Empress 1908 Gin.

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It’s the most beautiful time of the year
Lights fill the streets, spreading so much cheer
I should be playing in the winter snow
But I’ma be under the mistletoe

This was Mistletoe by Justin Beiber, aka one of my favorite holiday song of all time!

I cannot stress enough how excited I am about the fact that we are finally entering the holiday season! I have brought out my winter pjs, started playing my Christmas playlist, and am planning on setting up my Christmas tree.

This time of the year is also when I like slow down, to cozy up with a book, light up a few candles, and treat myself to a winter warmer, like this Spicy Pear Hot Toddy.

I created this drink in collaboration with Empress 1908 Gin and was really inspired by the idea of celebrating the slowing down that winter is synonymous with, while really hightlighting the gorgeous color of this iconic gin.

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When it comes to the ingredients used in this recipe, below are the ones I used.

For any modifications, refer to the Common Questions & Swaps section.

Water: Mixed with the sugar, pear, and ginger, the water constitutes the base of the Spicy Pear Syrup.

Organic cane sugar: This is the main sweetener of the cocktail and it is used to make the Spicy Pear Syrup.

Bosc pear: Used in the Spicy Pear Syrup and a a garnish, Bosc pears are lightly smoky and sweet in flavor. The flavor of this fruit pairs beautifully with the ginger and the floral gin.

Ginger: Spicy, peppery, and hot, the ginger featured in the syrup really gives this hot wintery drink a fresh kick.

Brown sugar: It is the base of the sugar rim. I love the richness it adds to the cocktail.

Ground cinnamon: Mixed with the brown sugar for the rim, the cinnamon makes this cocktail extra festive.

Empress 1908 Gin: With its botanical notes and stunning colour, this Canadian gin really brings life to this winter warmer that is sure to become a classic!

I really encourage you, as you prepare to savour this warm drink, light a few candles, set the mood, maybe play some of your favorite holiday songs and enjoy the magic of present.

If you make this recipe, I’d appreciate it if you left a review above in the recipe box and shared about it on social media. Don’t forget to tag me (@muriellebanackissa).

Happy winter and cheers to the beginning of the holiday season✦