It’s now day 3 of 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails! I’ve always wanted to do Christmas in New York to see the snow, the Macy’s Christmas Tree, all the shops lit up and decorated, and to sip hot chocolate and people watch in Central Park. I know. Super cheesy and touristy, but sometimes a little cheesy is good for the heart! One day! Today however I’ll have to make do with a spruced up version of the classic cocktail named after this city. Spiced pear liqueur really adds a festive kick to the cocktail that can pack a punch! Enjoy!

1.5oz Woodford Reserve Rye

1oz St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur

0.5oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth

0.25oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters

Garnish: Pear Slice and Cinnamon Stick

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a glass. Finish with a garnish of a pear slice and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Notes: In regards to the glass you can serve it in a martini glass for a classic look or in a whiskey glass over a large ice cube. I prefer ice because I’m a sipper and I like my drink to stay cold. If you would like to make this even more flashy, make apple cider ice cubes by pouring the cider in a large sphere or cube mold and freeze.

P.S. I almost didn’t post this because the photo wasn’t perfect and my pear garnish split because I messed with it too much. However, this was supposed to be about unpretentious realness and the real truth is sometimes things aren’t perfect, but it still tasted damn good!