Clear alcohol such as vodka is normally the base of a pear liqueur.
Pear liqueur is made by mixing chopped pears, sugar and spices in an alcohol base. As the ingredients are macerated, the alcohol acquires flavor. The longer the ingredients last, the tastier the liquor. There is no hard and fast rule about how long the soaking process should take, but most experts agree that the minimum time is around three months. In general, the longer the mixture is marinated, the more flavorful it will be.
Sliced pears are used in the preparation of pear liqueur.
The alcohol base used to make pear schnapps is usually a clear spirit, such as vodka or rum. Tequila and gin, while also transparent, have so much of their own flavor that they are normally considered unsuitable for use as a base. Darker alcohols such as whiskey or scotch are also considered too flavorful to be used in spirits making. For a truly pear-flavored liqueur, pears should not compete with less complementary flavors.
Dark spirits like whiskey or scotch are considered too flavorful to make liqueurs and would compete with the fruity flavor of a pear liqueur.
There are many different recipes for making pear liqueur, but most often seasonings are added to the pear and alcohol mixture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel are often used, as are lemons and vanilla. The sugar used can be brown or white, although brown sugar will slightly change the overall flavor and color of the liqueur.
The first step in making pear liqueur involves combining pears, alcohol, and the desired seasonings. These ingredients should be placed in an airtight container, preferably glass. The container should then be placed in a place that receives full sun, where it should be left to infuse for an entire month. After the first month, sugar can be added to the mix. The container can then be moved out of direct sunlight, where it should be left to steep for a few more weeks.
Pear liqueur is used in many ways. It is often consumed neat, as an after-dinner drink, or can be mixed with other alcoholic beverages to make cocktails such as the Snowflakes, Pear Martini, or Grand Charles. Pear liqueur is also used in cooking, both in main dishes and in desserts. Meat glazes can be made with pear liqueur and can be added to cake and pie recipes. The liqueur ingredients in most recipes are interchangeable, so, for example, pear liqueur can replace other types of liqueurs in most recipes.