Makes 4 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 4 teaspoons poire william (french pear brandy)
  • 2 2/3 cups chilled champagne
  • 1 seckel or small bosc pear

    DIRECTIONS

    In a small saucepan heat sugar and 1/4 cup poire William over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cool syrup. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons syrup into each of 4 Champagne glasses and add 1 teaspoon poire William to each glass. Add 2/3 cup Champagne to each glass and stir well.

    Cut pear lengthwise into thin slices and add 1 slice to each cocktail.