Transform the humble pear by turning it into this delicious, sparkling gin cocktail!

Pears reach the end of their season as we move from January into February, so make the most of this delicious fruit while you still can - by blitzing them into a fabulous gin cocktail!

When choosing your pears, you can tell if they are ripe and ready to eat - or drink! - when they have a lovely fragrance and have a slight ‘give’ when you gently squeeze them. Brown speckling is totally normal but squishy, bruised flesh should be sliced off! Of course, you can also use store-bought pear juice if you can’t find high-quality, ripe pears in the shops.

With only three ingredients, this elegant, sparkling drink couldn’t be easier to make. It’s a subtly sweet delight that will put a smile on your face whatever the weather!

Pear Gin Royale

30ml gin
15ml pear juice*
Prosecco, to top up

Fill a cocktail shaker (or sealable container) almost full with ice, then add your gin and pear juice. Shake together for about 10 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled champagne glass and top up with prosecco. Sparkling wine or champagne will also work beautifully.

*You can buy pear juice in shops or online. Alternatively, you could make your own fresh pear juice: simply peel and core a large pear, cut it into cubes, then add it to a blender with about 100ml water and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Blitz and strain until you have a smooth juice.