Signature Drink from Blackberry Farm

One of the most popular questions I get from Brides is "What's a good Signature Drink for my reception? You know...One that you haven't seen anywhere before...?"  

My answer: Try this:

Vanilla Poached Pear

The Vanilla Poached Pear, one of our most popular drinks, is a take on classic dessert flavors translated into drinkable form, and for adult enjoyment no less! Now don't go thinking this is a super-sweet, make your teeth hurt kind of "dessert" drink. We prefer real cocktails, but more importantly, we prefer balance, and that means a perfect marriage between the sweetness of the vanilla syrup and the slight heat of the Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka. Contrasting elements brought together by the warm, mouth-filling flavor of pure vanilla bean and the richness of ripe pear. Winter is here and red fruit flavors take over so it makes sense to add a splash of Pinot Noir for color and body.
Not too sweet, not too sharp, just a perfectly balanced cocktail that happens to conjure memories of a classic red wine poached pear, and since we're moving out of pear season this is the only chance to taste it!

Vanilla Poached Pear 

Add to shaker:
1.5oz Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka
.5oz Pinot Noir
.25oz vanilla syrup
Squeeze of lemon wedge
Hard shake 10 count and pour into chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with lemon peel

Vanilla Syrup
4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped
3 cups sugar
1.5 cups boiling water
.5oz vodka
Combine all ingredients except vodka and stir until dissolved.
Add splash of vodka when slightly cooled, stir again, strain and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

Jesse Ratliff, Mixologist
January 1, 2011

http://www.friendsofblackberryfarm.com/tasting-notes/vanilla-poached-pear.html