Perfectly Peared Martini

We are officially in fall cocktail season! Seasonal cocktails are so fun to make, and just like I love breaking out my fall decor and candles this time of year, I also love to whip up drinks featuring apples, pears, cinnamon etc. October is the best. Brad and I are headed to see Hocus Pocus and Halloween at the drive-in tonight, and this cocktail is the perfect pregame!

In the Perfectly Peared Martini I mix together gin with fresh muddled pears, Aperol and lavender-lemon simple syrup from Royal Rose and then top it with Prosecco. Aperol is an Italian liqurer with notes of orange. It is sweet and has a bitter finish. Most people associate Aperol with Aperol Spritz (also on my blog - linked below), but it's herbal taste is versatile, and I love to work it into a variety of cocktails. You can use regular simple syrup with this cocktail (but in that case add a squeeze of lemon), but I love this one (linked below) and how the very slight lavender taste incorporates with the drink. Also don't splurge on Prosecco that you're only using to top! Cupcake has a great tasting, low-cost Prosecco that works great here.

Lavender Lemon Organic Simple Syrup

This cocktail is tart but sweet with an earthy undertone and then is topped off with Prosecco for a refreshing finish. It's perfect for days like today which are feeling more fall like, yet the sun is still shining. Also ideal for my warm weather friends as you get a taste of fall, but with a cocktail that leaves you feeling invigorated.