Pears reach the end of their season as we move from January into February, so make the most of this delicious fruit while you still can - by blitzing them into a fabulous gin cocktail!

When choosing your pears, you can tell if they are ripe and ready to eat - or drink! - when they have a lovely fragrance and have a slight ‘give’ when you gently squeeze them. Brown speckling is totally normal but squishy, bruised flesh should be sliced off! Of course, you can also use store-bought pear juice if you can’t find high-quality, ripe pears in the shops.

With only three ingredients, this elegant, sparkling drink couldn’t be easier to make. It’s a subtly sweet delight that will put a smile on your face whatever the weather!

A Pear Gin Royale only needs three ingredients!

Pear Gin Royale

30ml gin
15ml pear juice*
Prosecco, to top up

Fill a cocktail shaker (or sealable container) almost full with ice, then add your gin and pear juice. Shake together for about 10 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled champagne glass and top up with prosecco. Sparkling wine or champagne will also work beautifully.

*You can buy pear juice in shops or online. Alternatively, you could make your own fresh pear juice: simply peel and core a large pear, cut it into cubes, then add it to a blender with about 100ml water and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Blitz and strain until you have a smooth juice.