Cognac Pear Smash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, herbaceous cocktail where fresh pear and mint harmonize with cognac's rich fruitiness for a refreshing summer sip. This french-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 8 minutes pairs cognac, thinly sliced fresh pear, fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 8 min Serves 1 French cuisine 120 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh pear, 4 fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 oz lemon juice in a shaker.
  2. Step 2: Muddle firmly for 20 seconds until pear is crushed and mint releases its oils.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 oz cognac, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 1 cup ice to the shaker.
  4. Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until mixture is chilled and slightly frosted, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cognac Pear Smash take to make?

Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cognac Pear Smash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cognac from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cognac Pear Smash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cognac Pear Smash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cognac Pear Smash?

French cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes