Whiskey Pearadise

While in college, I worked at a summer resort on Pelican Lake, MN. I worked many positions including bartending, both for events and the resort bar. I enjoyed getting to know more about cocktails and specific liquors. We always liked to create new drinks for resort guests to promote the bar, as it’s fairly new and most people get bottled or canned beverages. We had added an Irish Lemonade to the menu, a drink made with whiskey, lemonade, and ginger beer. I tried it and noticed that the ginger beer paired well with the whiskey, especially with the addition of a light fruity flavor. A while later, I was reading about whiskeys and learned that many have notes of pear or green apple. We also had pear juice in the bar for a different specialty cocktail, and I suddenly had an idea.

I combined 1 shot of whiskey with equal parts pear juice and ginger beer. The result was delicious. I was actually surprised it worked so well on my first try. It was sweet but light and refreshing. It wasn’t overwhelming but rather pairing well with the whiskey - which at the time wasn’t my favorite liquor. I could still taste the flavor and richness of the whiskey but I didn’t mind it and actually added more. I was so excited to have other people try it and they agreed that the flavors worked very well together. When the bar closed for the summer, I bought the leftover unopened pear juice from the resort and it became my go to drink. When our Montana Wheat Whiskey was released, I knew I had to feature this drink.

In a glass, add 1 ¾ oz Montana Wheat Whiskey over ice

Add equal parts ginger beer and pear juice (about 4-6 oz each)

Stir and enjoy