In our current world of luxurious apples with titles longer than most of the English aristocracy, my heart goes out to the often-neglected pear. 

No, you will not find any pears boasting pink flesh, and no, their far-from-obscure nature will not elicit any "oohs" and "ahhs" from surrounding hipsters, but the pear has a lot going for it. 

Mainly, they taste good.  

For much of the foodosphere, such menial claims carry little persuasion, but a sweet piece of fruit is still good enough for me. 

Not to worry though, our mainstream pears have been graced with a few bits of modern magic to take this simple smash to the next level. 

Juniper syrup adds the most wonderful, autumnal, herbaceous note to this drink, and the bite from a Chinese Five Spice sugar rim is heaven itself. 

I love using raw sugar to rim my glasses because it adds just the tiniest bit of crunch that delights my texture-loving heart. 

It is a fall panorama in a glass and it's my new favorite.

A couple of these, a board game, and a plaid blanket are all I want this weekend.  

In reality, my weekend holds signing off on our first home purchase (eeek!) and a whole lot of painting.  Or, a hurricane and many, many plans disrupted. 

Either way, enjoy one for me, won't you?

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie

JUNIPER PEAR SMASH

makes 2

FOR THE SYRUP 

• 1 tbs dried juniper berries

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup water

Combine juniper berries, granulated sugar, and water in a 2 quart saucepan and set over medium high heat.  Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a simmer. 

Simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool completely. 

FOR THE SUGARED RIM 

• 2 tablespoons raw sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice

• 1 lime wedge

On a small plate, stir together raw sugar and five spice. 

Run a lime wedge along the edge of each glass, then dip into the sugar mixture, swirling each glass to achieve even coating.  

ASSEMBLY 

• 1 medium, ripe pair, halved and cored

• ice

• 12 ounces ginger ale

Place one pear half in the bottom of each glass and use a muddler or small potato masher to smash up the pears.  Top with 1/4 cup ice and pour half of the juniper syrup into each glass. 

Top with ginger ale and sprinkle with a bit of extra Chinese five spice, if desired. Serve immediately.  

Enjoy!!