Spiced Pear Cocktail

Introduction

The Spiced Pear Cocktail is an elegant, cozy drink that beautifully captures the flavors of autumn and winter. It blends the delicate sweetness of ripe pear with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, creating a balanced drink that’s refreshing yet comforting. Typically made with vodka, gin, or whiskey, this cocktail pairs perfectly with pear nectar or puree, citrus, and a hint of spice-infused syrup.

It’s the kind of drink that feels both festive and sophisticated—ideal for dinner parties, fall gatherings, or even as a holiday signature cocktail.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s unexpected yet approachable. Pear is often overlooked in cocktails, but its gentle sweetness pairs wonderfully with spice, creating a drink that’s smooth, fragrant, and not overly sweet. It feels seasonal without being heavy, making it just as suitable for cozy evenings by the fire as it is for celebratory occasions.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Unique flavor: A refreshing change from common citrus-based cocktails.
• Seasonal appeal: Perfect for fall and winter entertaining.
• Customizable: Works with vodka, gin, or whiskey depending on preference.
• Beautiful presentation: Garnished with a pear slice or cinnamon stick, it looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Syrup Infusion (if making from scratch): 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories per serving: ~180–220 kcal (varies with alcohol and sweetener used)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Modern American / Fusion
• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka (or gin/whiskey for variation)
• 1 oz (30 ml) pear nectar (or fresh pear puree)
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) spiced simple syrup (see tip below)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: pear slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise

For Spiced Simple Syrup (optional, makes ~1/2 cup):

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar (or honey)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg

Simple Directions

1. Shake vodka, pear nectar, lemon juice, and spiced syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

1. Make Spiced Syrup (if using homemade): In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until sugar dissolves, simmer for 5 minutes, then cool and strain.
2. Prepare Cocktail Shaker: Fill with ice.
3. Add Ingredients: Pour vodka, pear nectar, lemon juice, and spiced syrup into the shaker.
4. Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
5. Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Garnish: Add a thin pear slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise for aroma.

How to Serve

• Serve in a chilled coupe glass for elegance, or a rocks glass with ice for a more relaxed style.
• Pair with appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese boards, or roasted vegetables.
• Ideal for holiday parties, fall dinners, or cozy nights.

Additional Tips

• Use ripe pears for the freshest flavor if making puree.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less spiced syrup.
• For an effervescent version, top with club soda or prosecco.
• Pre-chill your glass for a more refined presentation.

Variations

1. Whiskey Spiced Pear Cocktail: Use whiskey instead of vodka for a deeper, warmer flavor.
2. Sparkling Spiced Pear Cocktail: Top with prosecco or champagne for a festive bubbly version.
3. Gin & Pear Twist: Use gin for herbal notes that complement pear beautifully.
4. Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace vodka with sparkling water or ginger beer for a mocktail.

Freezing & Storage

• Spiced Syrup: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Cocktail (without ice): Can be pre-mixed and refrigerated for up to 1 day before serving. Shake with ice just before pouring.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as alcohol and citrus lose freshness when frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger (or measuring spoons)
• Coupe or rocks glass

Conclusion

The Spiced Pear Cocktail is a beautifully balanced drink that captures the cozy essence of fall while remaining light and refreshing. With its blend of ripe pear, warming spices, and a hint of citrus, it’s perfect for both intimate evenings and festive gatherings. Simple to make yet impressive in presentation, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seasonal drink game.

Print Recipe

Spiced Pear Cocktail

Author: Emily Clark Cuisine: American Courses: Beverage

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 1 Calories: 220 kcal

Description

The Spiced Pear Cocktail is an elegant, cozy drink that beautifully captures the flavors of autumn and winter. It blends the delicate sweetness of ripe pear with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, creating a balanced drink that’s refreshing yet comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 oz (60 ml)
• 1 oz (30 ml)
• ¹⁄₂ oz (15 ml)
• ¹⁄₂ oz (15 ml)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: pear slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar (or honey)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Make Spiced Syrup (if using homemade) : In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until sugar dissolves, simmer for 5 minutes, then cool and strain.
2. Prepare Cocktail Shaker : Fill with ice. Add Ingredients: Pour vodka, pear nectar, lemon juice, and spiced syrup into the shaker.
3. Shake : Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain : Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish : Add a thin pear slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise for aroma.

Keywords: Spiced Pear Cocktail