The Oscars & a Pear Thyme Sparkler
It seems like every year I try to cram in just a few more movies that are up for Oscars right before the big night, and this one is no different. Of the movies nominated for Best Picture this year, we’ve already seen The Social Network, True Grit, The Kids are All Right, and Inception. So the goal for the next couple of days is to add at least two more to that list, most likely Winter’s Bone and either The Fighter or The King’s Speech. Do any of you have plans to hit the theater this weekend in an attempt to view one more flick?
I’ve always really loved watching the awards, particularly the fashion show on the red carpet, and with the addition of live tweeting from friends in recent years it’s even more fun! So when the clock strikes 5 on Sunday, I’ll be firmly planted in front of the TV with a festive cocktail in hand, and it’s quite likely it’ll be a Pear Thyme Sparkler. We served this as our ‘signature drink’ on New Year’s Eve, and it was a big hit with everyone. Slightly sweet and crisp, the pear goes perfectly with the earthy, herbal notes from the fresh thyme.
What about you? Will you be sipping something special or nibbling on some fancy finger foods as you watch the awards?
Pear Thyme Sparkler
Makes 1 cocktail. Adapted from Minnesota Monthly.
Ingredients:
Cocktail:
1 bunch of fresh thyme
1 1/2 oz pear vodka
3/4 oz thyme infused simple syrup (see below)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 oz chilled dry sparkling wine or Champagne
Thyme Simple Syrup:
sugar
water
thyme sprigs
Directions:
First, combine equal parts sugar and water and a few sprigs of thyme in a heavy pan to make simple syrup*. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove and discard sprigs of thyme from syrup. Refrigerate until needed.
In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, thyme simple syrup, lemon juice and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Fill shaker with ice, cap, and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini or champagne glass and top with sparkling wine (or champagne). Float 1 small sprig of thyme in drink to garnish.
*For every 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar, use 4-5 sprigs of thyme.
Your signature cocktail sounds delish! I haven’t seen as many movies as I’d have liked, but I did see Winter’s Bone and think it’s great. I’m still going to see the Fighter, but maybe now just rent it….better to swoon over my secret boyfriends (Mark & Christian) in the privacy of my own home!
Have a blast this weekend!
Glad to know that about Winter’s Bone. I hadn’t heard much about it, but it’s at redbox, so I figured we should rent it for $1!
Oh my, this reminds me of when Absolut Pear first came out (or perhaps when I first discovered it…). I was obsessed with it! I would drank it mixed with ginger ale. So delicious, and dangerous!
This sounds so good! I love any fun drink with champagne. No plans this year. I’m always meaning to have some kind of Oscar party, but never do. Maybe next year…
Well, I never have a party either, but I do enjoy knocking back a few cocktails while watching ;-)
Thanks for the drink inspiration! I’m in charge of dessert for the party I’m attending – I’m bringing Oreo truffles (shaped like ‘Black Swan’ eggs) and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Stuffed Cupcakes (a la Inception).
Very creative! You’ll have to let me know how the cupcakes turn out. Cookie Dough is one of my very favorite things on the planet!
this is pure genius! putting pear vodka on the liquore store shopping list right now
Oh, this sounds so delicious. Curses. I am never going to be able to survive 40 days of water.
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