Partridge In A Pear Tree

The Partridge In A Pear Tree cocktail is your new go-to holiday drink. Bursting with warm spice, juicy pear, and a smooth bourbon base, it’s the perfect mix of festive flavor and seasonal elegance. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or cozying up by the fire, this cocktail brings a merry, sophisticated twist to your drink menu. The spiced honey syrup adds depth and complexity, while sparkling pear cider tops it all off with a crisp, effervescent finish.

It’s festive, fragrant, and easy to batch for guests—truly a holiday cocktail worth celebrating.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

• Perfectly seasonal with cozy spices and fresh pear flavor
• Bourbon-based for warmth and depth
• Topped with sparkling pear cider for a bubbly finish
• Make-ahead syrup = effortless holiday bartending
• Gorgeous garnish-friendly drink for entertaining

🍸 Ingredients

For the Spiced Honey Syrup:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup water
• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg

For the Cocktail (makes 2):

• 4 oz bourbon
• 2 oz pear brandy (e.g. St. George Spiced Pear)
• 1½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz spiced honey syrup
• Sparkling pear cider (to top)
• Ice

Optional Garnishes

• Thinly sliced pear
• Candied ginger
• Rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the syrup
   In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, stir to dissolve, then remove from heat. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool.
2. Shake the cocktail
   In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, pear brandy, lemon juice, and 2 oz of the spiced syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until chilled.
3. Serve
   Strain into two ice-filled glasses. Top each with sparkling pear cider.
4. Garnish
   Add pear slices and candied ginger on a pick—or a sprig of rosemary for a holiday touch.

⏱️ Recipe Details

this recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes syrup steeping)
Servings: 2 cocktails
Skill Level: Easy
Best Season: Winter / Holidays

🧂 Flavor Notes

• Bourbon: rich, warming base
• Pear brandy: fruity, slightly floral depth
• Spiced honey syrup: cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add holiday warmth
• Lemon juice: adds brightness to balance the sweetness
• Pear cider: bubbly and refreshing finish

💡 Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead: Prepare the spiced syrup days in advance and store in fridge
• Non-alcoholic version: Sub bourbon with black tea + a splash of pear juice
• Vegan option: Use agave syrup in place of honey
• Extra sparkle: Top with prosecco or Champagne instead of cider for a boozier twist
• Serving crowd? Batch the cocktail base, refrigerate, and top with cider when serving

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Can I use regular pear juice instead of cider?
Yes, but it won’t have the same fizzy finish. You can add club soda or ginger ale for bubbles.

What kind of bourbon works best?
A smoother, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Four Roses pairs well with the pear.

Can I make this cocktail warm?
Yes! Skip the shaker and gently heat the bourbon, brandy, lemon, and syrup on the stovetop. Pour into mugs and garnish.

How long will the spiced honey syrup last?
Up to 1 month in an airtight jar in the fridge.

Partridge In A Pear Tree

A festive bourbon cocktail with pear brandy, warm spices, and sparkling cider—perfect for the holidays!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Spiced Honey Syrup:**
• – ¼ cup honey
• – ¼ cup water
• – ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
• – ⅛ tsp ground ginger
• – Pinch grated nutmeg
• **Cocktail makes 2:**
• – 4 oz bourbon
• – 2 oz pear brandy
• – 1½ oz lemon juice
• – 2 oz spiced honey syrup
• – Sparkling pear cider for topping
• – Ice
• **Garnish optional:**
• – Pear slices
• – Candied ginger
• – Rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Cocktail shaker
• – Strainer
• – 2 cocktail glasses

Method

 

1. In saucepan, combine syrup ingredients. Simmer. Remove from heat and steep 15 minutes. Strain and cool.
2. In shaker, combine bourbon, pear brandy, lemon juice, and syrup. Add ice and shake 20 seconds.
3. Pour into two ice-filled glasses. Top with sparkling pear cider.
4. Garnish with pear slices and ginger.

Notes

– Vegan: Use agave syrup.
– Non-alcoholic: Sub bourbon with chilled black tea and brandy with pear juice.
– Make syrup ahead and refrigerate.

🏁 Conclusion

The Partridge In A Pear Tree cocktail is everything you want in a winter drink—warm spices, elegant fruit flavor, and just the right amount of sparkle. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and will have your guests asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you’re toasting to the twelve days of Christmas or just need something festive in your glass, this cocktail is sure to become a holiday favorite.