Bar Essentials:
1. Boston shaker and strainer for mixing. $16.99 from the Martha Stewart Collection, available at Macy's.
2. Handheld juice press for squeezing fresh citrus. $11.95 (originally $20), available at Cutlery and More.
3. Jigger, a measuring tool. $2.49 (originally $3.95), available at Bottles-Up.
4. Muddler. $5.39, available at Amazon.
5. Seltzer and tonic. Prices vary, available at any local grocery store, like Jewel-Osco.
6. Lemons and limes.
Ingredients:
1 oz pear-star anise syrup
Dry champagne
To make pear-star anise syrup:
1. In a pot, combine one cup sugar, one cup water, and two or three chopped pears (TTLG recommends Bartlett pears), and five whole star anise. (available at most fine grocery stores, like Whole Foods).
2. On the stove, bring the mixture to a simmer, let steep for a few minutes, then strain it.
3. Allow the strained mixture to cool.
4. Add one ounce of cooled syrup to a champagne glass.
5. Top champagne glass with dry champagne.
6. Garnish with a star anise.
7. Revel in compliments from guests!