The key to pulling this off is pear brandy (aka Poire Williams, aka Pear eau de vie), which is made from 100% distilled pear and unaged. This won’t be available at every liquor store, but the nicer ones should have it.  A good pear brandy is shockingly evocative of fresh pear, like eating an actual pear, you can almost taste the grittiness of the skin.

This shareable, seasonal sipper may be pretty, but it's also definitely packs a punch (literally). This Whiskey Punch is essentially a very festive whiskey sour, enhanced with cranberry juice, orange juice, and a bit of brandy for that extra special edge. Serve it up pitcher-style to get you and your guests into a holiday spirit.

A classic fall favorite, spiced apple rum punch is perfect for those chilly autumn nights. Ingredients like unfiltered apple juice and ginger beer give it a light sparkle. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve in a beautiful punch bowl with a ladle for an elegant touch.