Two 750mL bottles pear cider (such as 2014 Poiré "Authentique," Bordelet)
½ bottle oloroso sherry
3 ounces winter spice simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice
½ ounce fresh orange juice
8 dashes Angostura bitters
Peels from 1 orange
1 pear, thinly sliced lengthwise
Ice
Directions
Make the winter spice simple syrup: In a quart container, add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves and sugar. Add the hot water and stir with a fork until the sugar is dissolved. Set to the side for 20 to 30 minutes until completely cool, then strain off the liquid.
Make the cocktail: In a large punch bowl, add all of the liquids and gently stir to combine. Squeeze the oils from the orange peels before adding and float the pear slices on top. Ladle into ice-filled rocks glasses and serve.