The Perfect Clarity

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I'm not a huge fan of most flavored vodkas, but I will admit a soft spot for pear vodka, which manages to capture a ripe crispness that actual pears so often do not.  This saketini variant is great for the winter because it preserves the simplicity of the drink's idea  with just a little spiciness.  A float of sparkling wine gives it a little bit of lift.

The Perfect Clarity

In a shaker:

1 1/2 ounce pear Vodka

1 ounce sake

1/2 ounce honey syrup

Add ice and stir for 1/2 minute.  Strain and serve up, either in a cocktail glass or a flute.

Top with:

Prosecco (optional)

Honey syrup:  Dilute 1 cup honey (use a light bodied one if you have a choice) 50/50 with warm water.

 

Eben Klemm is a freelance beverage consultant based in New York City.  Yes, people pay him to invent cocktails.  No, he is not invited to speak at many high school career days.  He grew up on a small family farm in Sharon, five miles from the Beekman Mansion and is proud to say that the first cocktails he ever consumed were rejected from his body, at very high speed, not far from its shadow. His book "The Cocktail Primer: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Drink" was published in 2009 by Andrews McNeel.  He'll be creating signature Beekman 1802 elixirs once a month