Drink of the Week: Xanté

Making its U.S. debut last month, Xanté, a Swedish-produced pear liqueur, combines Cognac, vanilla and the essence of Flemish pears for a smooth, subtly sweet liqueur. Aged for four years in French oak barrels, Xanté offers an enticing nose of juicy pears and toasty vanilla, while smooth and creamy flavors of ripe anjous and warm Cognac give way to a rounded finish of marzipan, almonds and more fruit. Xanté is great sipped solo after a meal but versatile enough to drizzle over pound cake topped with Xanté-spiked whipped cream or to serve alongside a plate of creamy brie and aged cheddar. $40, drinkxante.com