Fennel Pear Fresh Window

Fennel has a gentle anise flavor that pairs neatly with ripe pear. A few very thin shavings give the water character without turning it into a strongly licorice-tasting drink. Lemon adds definition to the pear's softer sweetness. Press the fruit a little and give the glass five minutes before drinking; this combination needs a brief pause to develop. Strain it if you prefer clear water, or leave the pear slices in for a small snack afterward.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Cold water
• 1/2 fruit Ripe pear, cored and sliced
• 1 tbsp Fennel bulb, very thinly shaved
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Stir in the cold water. Let fresh fruit, herbs or ginger infuse for 5 minutes, then remove the ginger or herb sprigs when the flavor suits you. Serve chilled.

Benefits

Lemon · a little vitamin C

The 1/4 oz of lemon juice adds some vitamin C for absorbing iron from plant foods, with pear and fennel rounding out the flavor.

Pear, fennel, and lemon

The pear contributes a mellow orchard sweetness to fennel and lemon, giving you a specific flavor combination to reach for instead of a default pour.