Okay, the weather is improving and this would be an awesome drink to start off the new season and warmer weather. There are a few steps to take first.

1. Clean the deck/patio of all winter debris
2. Quickly wash it down and set out the furniture (hurry before a Spring snow-shower appears)
3. Go to the kitchen and begin:

• 1/4 cup Cognac
•  1/4 cup Calvados (yum)
•  2 tbsp. Grand Marnier
•  2 tbsp. Pear liqueur
•  4 tsp. fresh lime juice
•  2 dashes Angostura bitters
•  crushed ice
•  thinly sliced pear pieces

Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake vigorously for about 20-25 times. Strain into 2 martini glasses and top with a thin slice of pear.

Go out on the deck now and toast the new season. Yeah! Bring on the sun…this could be considered a ‘starter’ drink. Take that whichever way you wish…start of a headache ….start of a fun summer ahead…you silly, that is all I was thinking of.