A creative twist on the classic gimlet recipe, this vanilla pear vodka gimlet pairs vanilla syrup with pear liqueur in a light and refreshing cocktail.
I have a confession to make.I am not a vodka drinker – my “white spirit” of choice has always been gin. But one of my many goals for 2016 was to branch out and try “new” things. So when Snow Leopard Vodka contacted me about trying their vodka I took it as a sign.
And, like all first time experiences, I was a little wary.
But after the first sip, it was abundantly clear I had never had really good vodka.
This, my friends, is a game changer. Smooth, rich and creamy with hints of vanilla, this is a vodka I would actually sip straight.
Which, I have never ever said about any vodka. Ever.
After my first taste, I knew I wanted something with pears and vanilla. Based “loosely” on the traditional gimlet, this Vanilla Pear Vodka Gimlet is an easy and elegant cocktail. Not too boozy, it lets the underlying flavors shine through.
Light and refreshing it’s an ideal before dinner cocktail – even for those who normally don’t drink cocktails.
So what makes Snow Leopard Vodka so different? It’s made with spelt – a less common grain that is rarely used in distilling but gives the vodka a fuller and richer flavor than wheat or rye.
Why the name “Snow Leopard”? Well, aside from being gorgeous and rare creatures that make for some gorgeous packaging, there is a reason. Snow Leopard’s founder, Stephen Sparrow, was inspired by a 2005 trip to the Himilayas – and came back determined to do something to save these beautiful and endangered creatures.
From that trip, Snow Leopard Vodka was born – 15% of the profits from Snow Leopard Vodka support the Snow Leopard International Trust – a non profit organization dedicated to saving and protecting Snow Leopards.
Hmm… a delicious vodka that is also helping to save Snow Leopards? Now that is something I can definitely drink to!
Get the recipe for Vanilla Pear Vodka Gimlet!
- 1 oz. Snow Leopard Vodka
- 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz. Pear Liqueur I used Matilde Pear Liqueur
- 1/2 oz. vanilla simple syrup
- Vanilla simple syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 vanilla bean
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To make the vanilla simple syrup:
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Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 water to a boil.
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Boil for 3 - 4 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
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Remove from heat and add the vanilla bean.
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Let sit for 30 minutes to infuse.
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Strain out the bean and transfer syrup to a small container with a lid.
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Refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
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