Call Gavin - On Tap Recipe

Peel and halve 2–3 ripe prickly pears (wear gloves or carefully remove spines). Place flesh in a blender and puree until smooth, about 20–30 seconds.

Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract juice. Discard seeds and pulp. Measure out 2 oz of the strained puree for the cocktail. (Makes extra — refrigerate up to 3 days.)

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz strained prickly pear puree, 1 oz aperitif, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz pear brandy.

Add a generous scoop of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Double-strain the mixture into a chilled flute or a tulip-shaped glass, leaving room for sparkling wine (about 1/2 inch from the top).

Carefully top the cocktail with 3 oz chilled sparkling wine. If you prefer a slightly lighter drink, add a splash (to taste) of club soda after the wine.

Express a lemon twist over the glass to release oils, rub the rim, and drop it in. Float a thin pear slice on top or affix to the rim as a garnish.

Serve immediately while the effervescence is bright.