Festive Amaretto & Poached Pear Punch

There’s something quietly magical about the scent of pears simmering with cinnamon and star anise — the kind of fragrance that turns a cold afternoon golden. This festive punch feels like a fireside secret shared between friends: tender poached pears steeped in their own spiced syrup, kissed with amaretto, poured over clinking ice as candlelight dances across the glass.

It’s winter softened — warmth and chill in perfect harmony, nostalgia in every sip. Gather close, pour generously, and let the season linger just a little longer.

Mellow & soothing, one to sip in an afternoon after a brisk walk with friends and family

Poached pears add an unctuous, fruity note to this warming spiced punch

The perfect recipe for a celebration, be it thanksgiving, the holidays or just because its good to tell people you love them….

poached pears, punch, party food, party drinks, holiday drinks, holiday cocktails, thanksgiving ideas, holiday ideas, festive recipes, thanksgiving recipes,

Yield: 6-8

Author: Suze Morrison

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Festive Amaretto & Poached Pear Punch

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 50 Min

There’s something quietly magical about the scent of pears simmering with cinnamon and star anise — the kind of fragrance that turns a cold afternoon golden. This festive punch feels like a fireside secret shared between friends: tender poached pears steeped in their own spiced syrup, kissed with amaretto, poured over clinking ice as candlelight dances across the glass.

It’s winter softened — warmth and chill in perfect harmony, nostalgia in every sip. Gather close, pour generously, and let the season linger just a little longer.

Ingredients

For the Poached Pears

• 8 ripe but firm baby pears, peeled and cored
• 750ml water
• 100g demerara sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 1 strip orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or ½ vanilla pod, split)

For the Punch

• 200ml poaching liquid (strained and cooled)
• 50ml Golden Rum
• 150ml Amaretto
• 150ml pear juice (or cloudy apple juice)
• 150ml dry white wine or prosecco (optional, for sparkle)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Ice cubes, to serve
• Garnish: poached pears cinnamon sticks, star anise, rosemary

Instructions

1. Poach the Pears
2. In a medium pan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, orange zest, and vanilla. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the pears, cover with a cartouche and simmer over a low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
4. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. Strain and reserve 250ml of the poaching liquid for the punch, discarding the spices (or saving them for garnish).
5. Make the Punch Base
6. In a large jug or punch bowl, combine the cooled poaching liquid, Amaretto, rum, pear juice, lemon juice, and (if using) white wine or prosecco. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
7. Serve
8. Fill glasses or tumblers with ice. Add slices of the poached pear, a star anise, and a few sprigs of rosemary
9. Pour over the chilled punch and stir gently.

https://gourmetglow.co.uk/recipes/festive-amaretto-poached-pear-punch

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