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Recipe courtesy Gourmet Magazine (FoodNetwork.com)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 4 teaspoons French pear brandy*
2 2/3 cups chilled champagne
1 Seckle or small Bosc pear

*The most well-known brand of French pear brandy available in the U.S. is Poire William (recommended for this recipe).

1. In a small saucepan, heat sugar and 1/4 cup pear brandy over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
   
2. Remove pan from heat and cool syrup.
   
3. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons syrup into each of 4 champagne glasses and add 1 teaspoon pear brandy to each glass.
   
4. Add 2/3 cup champagne to each glass and stir well.
   
5. Cut pear lengthwise into thin slices and add 1 slice to each cocktail.