A post-brunch with friends turned into a late afternoon happy hour with the help of unused ingredients from my pantry.  I always find that the best recipes are created on a whim, when everyone wants something but can't make up their minds on what that exact thing is.  Experimenting. This recipe is a better one of those on-the-whim cocktails that don't include that college-pour precision.  Eugene, Alli, and I experimented with muddling the pears before settling with a puree, and responsibly measured out tequila before adding a nice fizz as a finishing touch.  This isn't your traditional margarita, but the name shouldn't matter much since I recommend changing it for (holiday) themed-party purposes.  It's a cocktail worth a try during pear season especially when you're looking for something light and refreshing that will still give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

-- Spiced Pear Margaritas Serves 4

- 2 ripe Bartlette or Forelle pears (or combination), peeled - 1 tablespoon agave nectar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, up to your personal preference - 1/4 cup grapefruit juice - A few sprigs of fresh mint leaves, extra to garnish - 6 fl.oz or 4 shots of premium tequila - Juice of one lime - Soda water - Ice

In a food processor or blender, puree pears and mint leaves until smooth. Add agave nectar, cayenne/ cinnamon, grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila and give it a quick pulse to incorporate all ingredients. Fill a carafe with ice, transfer tequila mixture into carafe. Top with soda water, and serve!