Pear Pomegranate Cooler with Prosecco
A nice transitional beverage when summer is waning but we still have beautiful Fall ldays. This Pear and Pomegranate Cooler with Prosecco is perfect when pears are at their peak.
One thing I’ve really missed in the past two years are the myriad invitations I used to receive to try out a new restaurant or bar. I feel bad how I used to take them so for granted because I sure do miss them now.
However I can revisit some of the better concoctions I enjoyed as the result of past visits and this Pear Pomegranate Cooler with Prosecco deserves a mention. Why it took me so long to make it is beyond me; this became an automatic favorite!
Since a move in 2014 I had already cut back a bit on going to downtown Denver, the 2 hour round trip drive made me more carefully determine what was worth it. Luckily when the folks at the Thirsty Lion Gastropub invited me to come and sample some of their offerings not long before everything was locked down, I was intrigued.
They are one of several newer restaurants that are located in Denver’s Union Station. What used to be a sort of grungy old train station was renovated and made into a gorgeous space with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.
My first foray down to enjoy this new venue was when I met a friend visiting in town briefly, we met at a hotel bar but we had not ventured into any of the restaurants and this one caught my eye so I was happy for an excuse to visit again.
The truth is I was not hungry enough for a meal; my schedule that day had also included a lunch date in Cherry Creek (now I am really missing those days!) so I was happy with a simple appetizer and a cocktail. They carry seasonal menu choices and this cocktail was part of their Fall Fresh Sheet that year but they also have a nice Happy Hour menu that I need to go back and peruse more closely when things settle down a bit.
I visited on such a quintessential Fall day and the Oven Baked Soft Pretzel sounded perfect. It was baked in a brick oven and served with an amber ale fondue dipping sauce; absolutely delicious.
Truth be told though, I was honestly more excited to try this cocktail that combines pomegranate juice and pear puree. Topped with chilled Prosecco, it could have been called ‘The Barbara.’
It was sparkling and fresh with a delightful combination that I’ve never forgotten and I’m glad I found the recipe with the intent of making it again. I planned to have a couple of girlfriends over and it seemed the ideal opportunity so it’s on my menu for a small gathering in my backyard. Very small, very socially distanced, and very necessary for my sanity!
I know it sounds crazy but for a number of years I simply did not associate pears with fall/early winter like we do apples. I think I must have put them into the summer fruit category which meant I seldom used them…I imagine they were not too prolific in the summer when I was looking for them at the market!
Since being schooled as to their actual season I anxiously await their return to stores each fall. Pear season begins when Bartlett pears start arriving in late summer and they are soon followed by Bosc and Comice which are in season in the fall through winter.
What better way to enjoy this flavorful treat than combined with seasonal pomegranate in the form of an adult beverage? It’s light and filled with a great fruit flavor and the Prosecco holds the sweetness at bay. Not to be ignored, I also think it’s just beautiful; perfect for a holiday offering at Thanksgiving or any of the other winter holidays
If you’re coming to my home this Fall; yes, you could find these on the menu. They are delightful and I hope you try one too…and Cheers!
PIN IT! ‘Pear Pomegranate Cooler with Prosecco’
Pear Pomegranate Cooler with Prosecco
Ingredients
- 2 ounce Vodka The restaurant called for Pear Vodka but I don't think it necessary
- 1.5 ounces pear puree
- 1.5 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces Prosecco
- 2 pear slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine vodka, pear puree, simple syrup and POM juice in a shaker over ice. Shake 10 to 12 times.
- Pour into a 12 ounce Collins glass over new ice. Float the Prosecco over the drink. Garnish with a pear slice and add a straw.
Hi good morning! I read the blog and I loved the blog. Thank you for sharing.
Nice to see this one return — such a great drink. I don’t miss the marketing invites (I never accepted them — just not interested), but really miss dinner with friends. One of these days we’ll be able to do that again. I hope.
Whenever I was invited, I always asked if I could bring a plus one. While I might know some people there, for me, meeting a friend made it so much more fun. Most places were completely amenable and I’ve had some memorable meals but yes, if I had not already had a good buddy with me, might not be so much. I’m with you John…hoping again soon.
One of my friends that always accompanied me to a beautiful dinner outside at Breckenridge Brewery is meeting me there next weekend. They have outdoor ordering and farm tables in a huge yard with beautiful views. We miss their annual do; so are making one for ourselves. The outdoor eating and spacing is key…I’m nowhere near close to dining in a regular restaurant.
Could you please advise me how to make this in a larger quantity for a group? This sounds like the perfect cocktail for an upcoming ladies holiday gathering:)
You didn’t mention how many people so I’ll just help you with using one bottle of Prosecco. There are approximately 25 ounces in a 750 ml bottle and since the recipe calls for an ounce of Prosecco for the cocktail you can figure it’s enough for a crowd; 2 drinks for twelve people or 1 each for 2 dozen people. I’ve rounded some ingredients a bit to make the numbers easier to manage but I don’t think a little one way or the other is going to matter. I LOVE this cocktail…I’m just betting your friends will too!
The ingredients needed for a full bottle of Prosecco would be:
3 cups Vodka (The restaurant called for Pear Vodka but I don’t think it necessary)
2 1/2 cups pear puree
2 1/2 cups simple syrup
3 cups pomegranate juice
1 bottle Prosecco, chilled
25 pear slices for garnish
Add everything together and chill for a couple of hours and you won’t need to shake with ice. Pour over ice and top with the Prosecco and stir. Cheers!
The drinks of your interest. I think I’ll be making your way to try to see what I will eat out of your menu. Thank you for sharing articles and helpful.
I also associate pears with summer fruit as well but I’ll drink this cocktail anytime of year.
I can’t wait to make this!
This sounds like such a fresh, delicious and grown-up drink. The pomegranate would cut through the sweetness of the pear – and what isn’t better with prosecco?! I’d be looking for pears in summer to make this, too.
So what did you use for pear puree? Did you cook up a pear like for applesauce but making pear puree or did you use baby food? Or is it available next to the applesauce in the fruit aisle and I just haven’t noticed it? Love pears & pomegranate!
I made a mention of it in the Notes Pam; I actually just used my Cuisinart to blend some together; I cored a couple; didn’t peel or cook it!
I am glad the restaurant was worth the drive downtown. I have yet to walk around the new Union Station and hope to do so soon. Beautiful drink!
Any excuse to combine pomegranate juice and Prosecco! This looks delicious and not too heavy to go with Thanksgiving leftovers, too!
I always associate fall with apples too, and that’s their best season. And used to overlook pears, too. But no longer! This looks like a great drink — really nice flavor combo. And such a lovely color! Fun stuff — thanks.
This has my name all over it – 3 of my favorite things all in one glass!!!! That appetizer sounds fabulous too – just wishing it would get cool enough here to really enjoy dishes like that – I am soooo over wearing my flip flops!!
Oh this looks so delicious! I absolutely love pears. Can’t wait to try this out!
I get invited to Brisbane for events and like you, it has to be worth it to drive 2 hours for someone to pitch something to me. I’d be like you with this pear pomegranate cooler!