A Slice and a Squeeze

My latest discovery is a refreshing pear liqueur summer aperitif. Simply pour some incredibly fragrant Belle de Brillet ($42.99) into a tumbler with ice cubes and a slice of lemon, squeezed. Done. Belle de Brillet is a liqueur made from ripe Alsatian Williams pears and Brillet Cognac. The ice dilutes the sweetness of the liqueur but keeps its bouquet, while the drops of lemon introduce a healthy dose of acidity to freshen up the drink. This is just the kind of cocktail to welcome the warmer weather.