Somersby Recipe

Chill glass

Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill it.

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

Shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch. This lightly dilutes and chills the mixture.

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass and fill the glass about two-thirds full with fresh ice.

Strain the shaken vodka-lemon-syrup mixture over the ice in the glass.

Top gently with the chilled pear cider, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation. Stir once very gently with a bar spoon (1–2 turns) to combine the layers without flattening the cider.

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add a touch more simple syrup (0.25 oz) if you prefer sweeter, or a few drops more lemon juice if you prefer brighter.

Garnish the drink by sliding the pear slice onto the rim or floating it on top, and slap the mint sprig between your hands to release aroma then tuck it into the glass.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon. Encourage sipping slowly to enjoy the cider's fizz and pear aroma.