Harvest Margarita

This margarita is a show-stopper during the fall and winter months. The pear adds a hint of fall and the spiced simple syrup turns it into a definite seasonal winner.

Simple syrup cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Margarita

2 oz reposado tequila

1 1/2 oz pear liqueur

1 oz fresh lime juice

splash of orange liqueur, such as cointreau or grand marnier

1/2 oz spiced simple syrup

Simple Syrup

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 cinnamon stick

2 cardamom pods

1 star anise

5 black peppercorns

3 cloves

1 inch ginger, sliced

Directions for margarita

1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add all ingredients. Shake until really cold, about 30 seconds. Strain into a bucket glass filled with ice. Garnish with dehydrated oranges

Directions for simple syrup

1. Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until all sugar is dissolved. Turn heat as low as it will cook and cook about 10 minutes. Turn heat off, cover with a lid, and let steep another 10 minutes. If you do not like too strong of a star anise flavor, remove the star anise before steeping.

2. Let cool and store in the fridge for future use.