Ginger Pear Punch

makes 3 cocktails

1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp ginger, freshly grated
5 sticks cinnamon
6 pods star anise
1 cup water
5 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 - 12 oz. cans lemon sparkling water
6 oz. bourbon
1 firm Bartlett pear, sliced thin
3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Combine sugar, ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 pods star anise and water in a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until liquid is clear and no grains of sugar remain. Let stand 1 hour. Strain out ginger, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Stir in lemon juice.

In an ice-filled glass, combine 4 oz. ginger syrup, 8 oz. sparkling water and 2 oz. bourbon. Garnish with pear slice, rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick and star anise. Repeat with remaining cocktails.