Teddy Bear Cocktail Recipe

The Teddy Bear cocktail is a delightful concoction that seems to have emerged from the craft cocktail movement, where bartenders experiment with a variety of flavors and spirits. It's a hit among those who enjoy a balance of fruity and spicy notes, with a comforting warmth that's reminiscent of the cuddly toy it's named after.

• Origins
  • The exact origins are a bit hazy, but it's believed to have been created in the early 21st century.
  • It's a modern twist on fruit-based cocktails, with the addition of cinnamon to give it a unique kick.
• Popularity
  • This cocktail is particularly popular in the fall and winter months.
  • It's a favorite for those who enjoy sweet, yet complex drinks.

The Teddy Bear cocktail offers a sweet and fruity flavor profile with a hint of spice from the cinnamon. It's a warm, comforting drink with a smooth texture, thanks to the pear and cognac liqueur, and a crisp freshness from the apple juice.

• The name 'Teddy Bear' adds a playful and nostalgic element to the cocktail, making it a conversation starter.
• Pear & cognac liqueur is a sophisticated ingredient that elevates the drink's profile.
• The addition of cinnamon powder not only adds warmth but also provides potential health benefits, as cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties.

• Ingredients

  • 1½ oz Pear & Cognac Liqueur
  • ¾ oz Apple Schnapps Liqueur
  • 1½ oz Cloudy & Unsweetened Apple Juice
  • 1 pinch of Ground Cinnamon Powder

• Instructions

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add all the ingredients into the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Optionally, garnish with a thin slice of apple or a cinnamon stick.

• Chill the cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.
• When shaking the cocktail, do so vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to properly mix the ingredients and achieve the right dilution.
• A fine mesh strainer can help ensure that no ice shards or cinnamon bits end up in your final drink.

Food Pairings

Cheese: Aged cheddar or gouda will complement the fruity and warm spice notes of the cocktail.

Dessert: Apple crumble or pear tart would be delightful, as these desserts will echo the cocktail's flavors.

Meat: Roast pork with apple sauce is a classic pairing that would dance beautifully with the Teddy Bear's profile.

Drink Pairings

Tea: A hot cinnamon or spiced apple tea could accompany the cocktail for a non-alcoholic warm-up.

Cider: A dry or semi-dry hard cider could accompany this cocktail for those who appreciate a fully themed apple experience.

• If you don't have pear & cognac liqueur, try using a combination of pear liqueur with a splash of cognac.
• In place of apple schnapps, a good quality apple liqueur or apple brandy can be used.
• For a less sweet option, use freshly pressed apple juice instead of the cloudy & unsweetened variety.

Smoky Bear

• 1½ oz Smoked Pear Liqueur
• ¾ oz Apple Schnapps Liqueur
• 1½ oz Cloudy & Unsweetened Apple Juice
• 1 pinch Cinnamon Powder + Smoked Paprika

Replace the pear & cognac with a smoked pear liqueur and add a hint of smoked paprika with the cinnamon. It adds a campfire twist, invoking nights under the stars with a Teddy Bear by your side.

Honey Bear

• 1½ oz Pear & Cognac Liqueur
• ¾ oz Apple Schnapps Liqueur
• 1 oz Cloudy Apple Juice
• ½ oz Honey Syrup
• 1 pinch Cinnamon Powder

Sweeter and more nectar-like, substitute some juice with honey syrup for a thicker sip. It's like your Teddy Bear just discovered the bees' honeypot.

Berry Bear

• 1 oz Pear & Cognac Liqueur
• 1 oz Blackberry Liqueur
• 1½ oz Cloudy & Unsweetened Apple Juice
• 1 pinch Ground Cinnamon Powder

A berry variation that tames the pear & cognac with the tartness of blackberry liqueur. It's a berry patch adventure with Teddy, picking fruits in the orchard.