Pear Sage Quiet Toast

Pear's gentle sweetness gives sage a soft landing, and lemon prevents the drink from feeling too mellow. Use a ripe pear and press it well so the flavor doesn't remain trapped in slices at the bottom. A small sage leaf adds a woodsy aroma; leave it whole enough to remove easily. Straining makes the drink cleaner if you dislike pear's grainy texture. This is a restrained, lightly fruity fizz with a savory hint, suited to a quieter sort of toast.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Sparkling water
• 1/2 fruit Ripe pear, cored and sliced
• 1 leaf Sage leaf
• 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. Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly and stir once. Serve immediately, with ice if you like.

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 sage rounding out the flavor.

Pear · more than a sweet mixer

With sage and lemon in the glass, the measured pear contributes a mellow orchard sweetness as an accent to the fizz.