Ingredients

Makes 4 cocktails

　　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

　　

Step 1

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.

　　

Step 2

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