15 Days of Holiday Drinks (Day 12)

• Each year, I offer readers a lineup of cocktail creations for the holiday season, culled from combing through all sorts of sources -- my own archives, bar books, distillers' ideas, etc. -- even press releases from breathless PR people seeking to get their clients' products mentioned.

This is one of those drinks you may try during a pleasant autumn day, forget about the rest of the year, then wonder when autumn comes around again why you stopped making it. Well, don't stop. It's just as hearty and tasty in the winter. It has a very simple recipe, calling for ingredients that are perfect for this time of year — the lush fruit, the vibrant spice, the heartiness of the alcohol. Enjoy.  

PEAR GINGER RUM RUNNER  
(Yields 2 drinks)

3 ounces dark rum 

8 ounces 100% pear juice 

¼ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 

1 small Bosc pear, sliced 

Ice

Divide the rum, pear juice, and ginger evenly into two cocktail glasses each with several ice cubes. Stir in the glass to combine the ingredients. Garnish with fresh pear slices.

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