Spiced Pear Sparkler

The brilliance of this cocktail lies in how Carolyn Pascal (@socialsipper) recognized what the wine was already saying—and amplified it.

Our 2021 Estate Brut Cuvé naturally expresses pear, ginger, and lemon, with hints of stone fruit, honeycomb, and orange peel. By adding pear nectar and ginger liqueur, she doubled down on these flavors, creating a symphony. Vanilla extract echoes the wine's brioche notes, while thyme and star anise draw out unexpected complexity.

The result? A cocktail and wine that feel destined for each other—intentional, luxurious, and perfectly harmonious.

Watch the video tutorial!

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 3 oz Domaine Carneros Estate Brut Cuvée
• 3/4 oz pear nectar
• 3/4 oz ginger liqueur
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pear slice, for garnish
• Fresh thyme sprig, for garnish
• Star anise, for garnish

Ginger Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup minced ginger
• 1 cup water

Add pear nectar, ginger syrup, vanilla extract and chilled Domaine Carneros Brut to a coupe glass.

If desired, garnish with a pear slice, thyme sprig and star anise.

Enjoy immediately!

Ginger Syrup

Combine sugar, ginger and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Our Estate Brut Cuvée is the signature wine of Domaine Carneros, comprised of 53% estate-grown Chardonnay and 47% estate-grown Pinot Noir. The 2021 vintage benefited from a unique growing season—early bud break followed by cool spring temperatures and moderate summer weather, thanks to the marine layer. These conditions allowed our grapes to mature slowly and develop wonderful depth of flavor and concentration.

The result is a sparkling wine with fresh, delicate aromas of stone fruit, honeycomb, orange peel, white strawberry, and cherry blossom, with a touch of brioche. This winery-exclusive vintage has been aged to perfection and will continue to evolve beautifully in the cellar over the next decade.

Interested in making more cocktails?

@socialsipper has crafted more recipies for your enjoyment!

This Cranbery Vanilla Sparkler includes cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and vanilla bean for a bold, bubbly, and balanced refreshment.

If you'd like to bring a bit of the Chateau into your home, try this recipie for our take on the Salon 75 cocktail - also avaliable a la carte at the Château!

And try the Watermelon Rose Fresca for fresh, summery drink.