Pear cocktail season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to embrace it than with this cozy, spiced pear creation. Combining ripe pears, warm spices like cinnamon and star anise, and a splash of lemon for brightness, this drink is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party or unwinding after a long day, this cocktail brings all the comfort of autumn in one glass. Crafted with a homemade pear syrup and finished with a fragrant rosemary garnish, it’s elegant yet easy enough for casual evenings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tasty Spiced Pear Cocktail
- It’s Fall in a Glass – With cinnamon, star anise, and sweet pear, this cocktail captures the comforting flavors of autumn in every sip.
- Made with Real Pears – The homemade syrup is crafted from ripe, juicy pears—no artificial flavorings here.
- Impressively Simple – Looks like a craft cocktail, but comes together with easy-to-find ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
- Customizable to Your Taste – Prefer it sweeter? Add more syrup. Want a stronger kick? Go heavier on the vodka or swap in bourbon.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The syrup stores beautifully in the fridge, so you’re just minutes away from mixing when guests arrive.
- Perfect for Entertaining – With its rich flavor and elegant garnish, this cocktail always gets compliments.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Pear Cocktail
For the Spiced Pear Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup dry white wine (or apple juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise pod
- 1 lemon peel strip (3-inch)
- 2 ripe pears (Comice, Bartlett, or Anjou), chopped
For the Cocktail (per 2 servings):
- 4 oz vodka (or bourbon for a warmer version)
- 1½ oz Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth)
- 2–3 oz spiced pear syrup (to taste)
- 1½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice (for shaking)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
How to Make This Spiced Pear Cocktail
Step 1: Make the Spiced Pear Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, white wine (or apple juice), sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon peel.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add chopped pears and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes until pears are soft and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar. Do not press the fruit—this keeps the syrup clear.
- Chill the syrup in the fridge until ready to use.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and 2–3 oz of the spiced pear syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference).
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Strain into two cocktail glasses.
- Lightly twist or slap a rosemary sprig to release its aroma and place one in each glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Details & Nutrition
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 cocktails
- Skill Level: Easy
Estimated Nutrition (per batch)
- Calories: 950–1100
- Carbohydrates: 210–240g
- Sugar: ~200g (mostly from syrup)
- Protein: 2–4g
- Fat: 0–2g
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on pear ripeness and syrup concentration.
Tasty Spiced Pear Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Make the Spiced Pear Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, white wine (or apple juice), sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon peel.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add chopped pears and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes until pears are soft and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar. Do not press the fruit—this keeps the syrup clear.
- Chill the syrup in the fridge until ready to use.
- Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and 2–3 oz of the spiced pear syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference).
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Strain into two cocktail glasses.
- Lightly twist or slap a rosemary sprig to release its aroma and place one in each glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips & FAQs
Tips & Variations
- Use ripe pears only: Pears should be soft near the stem. Underripe fruit leads to a bland, watery syrup.
- Don’t rush the syrup: Let it simmer the full 30 minutes so the spices can fully infuse.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste your pear syrup before mixing and use less or more depending on your preference.
- Swap spirits: Vodka keeps things clean, but bourbon adds warmth. Gin brings out herbal notes.
- Herb alternatives: No rosemary? Try fresh thyme or sage for a savory twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Yes! The syrup keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Q: What if I don’t have Lillet Blanc?
Use dry vermouth or a splash of white wine mixed with a bit of honey.
Q: How do I batch this cocktail?
Pre-mix vodka, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice up to 3 days in advance. Add syrup and garnish just before serving.
Conclusion
This pear cocktail brings together fall’s best flavors in one elegant glass. From the warmth of cinnamon and star anise to the brightness of lemon and the herbal hint of rosemary, every sip feels like a cozy toast to the season. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, this cocktail is as simple as it is impressive.
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