Asian Pear Liqueur Recipe

Asian Pear Liqueur

Fruit farmers in Oregon grow some amazing and succulent Asian pears. I am a big fan of fruit liqueurs, found this recipe online:

3 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 pounds fresh ripe Asian pears, stemmed and washed
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 ½ cups 100-proof vodka
1 tablespoon fruit protector

Quarter and core pears, then slice thin. Place pears and lemon zest in a clean 2-quart jar, with a tight-fitting lid. Pour syrup over pears and add vodka and fruit protector. Cover and let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.

Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain out the solids. Discard. Transfer liqueur to a clean container, cover, and let stand for 2 to 3 weeks more. Rack and bottle.

Yields approximately 1 ½ quarts

This spirit is light and fruity and sweet, full of the essence of pear.