Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for this mocktail is as easy as pie — or in my case, as easy as whipping up a batch of homemade tortillas with my abuela.
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Feel free to substitute honey with agave syrup if you prefer a vegan option. The mint leaves add a touch of freshness, reminiscent of the herb garden my grandmother and I used to tend together.
Instructions
- Start by blending the pears with the lemon juice in a blender until smooth. This step reminds me of the many afternoons spent experimenting with flavors in my childhood kitchen.
- Strain the pear puree through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any pulp — a trick I picked up from my travels to Morocco, where smooth textures are key in many dishes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and honey (or agave syrup) into the pear juice, combining well.
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes, then pour the pear mixture evenly into each glass.
- Top each glass with chilled sparkling water, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for that burst of garden-fresh aroma.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the vibrant flavors with loved ones — just like how every meal was shared back home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International