There’s beauty in simplicity. There’s a desire, which we’re not immune to, that seems to dedicate the love of everything complex. If you can create a cocktail with some many flavors working in harmony together, surely it stands as proof that you’re brilliant. Even Einstein (reportedly) said that if a cluttered desk was the sign of the cluttered mind, he couldn’t imagine what an empty desk meant.

However, there are times that it’s nice to create something that is so genius in its simplicity that before you realize it, you’ve taken down three glasses, and maybe since you have other responsibilities as an adult, you probably shouldn’t get so completely far gone that you take up permanent residence in the arm-chair, oh god why is the room spinning?

The Pear and Tonic is one of those cocktails that is so simple it seems stupid, but will quickly become a summer staple, and just every so genteelly hand you your ass on a silver platter.

Pear and Tonic

Pear and Tonic | ® Cocktails, 365

• 2 oz Absolut Pear Vodka (or any pear vodka of your choice)
• 3 dashes St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• Tonic water

Take a frozen rocks glass and fill it to the top with ice. Add the pear vodka, St. Germain, and tonic water. Stir gently and serve.

The St. Germain gives some extra depth that you don’t get simply from the vodka and tonic, and it’s the perfect summer drink without a lot of muss and fuss.