The holidays should be just as much about relaxing as celebrating. I’m talking fireside with your coziest blanket, great company, and a fantastic cocktail like this Ciderhouse Pear Cocktail recipe inspired by Saveur. We make it with a twist thanks to one of our favorite fall flavors, St George Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur.
Why You’ll Love This Pear Cocktail Recipe
This pear cocktail has the perfect balance of warm spice, bright citrus, and rich pear notes. The combination of bourbon, pear juice, pear liqueur, and reduced cider makes the pear cocktail both sophisticated and easy to sip. It’s the kind of pear cocktail that works for holiday entertaining, après-ski nights, or anytime you want a cocktail that tastes like fall.
Recipe Ingredients
This pear cocktail keeps things simple while delivering big flavor. Here’s what you need to make this pear cocktail recipe:
- Apple Cider
- Good-quality bourbon
- Unsweetened pear juice
- Spiced Pear Liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon stick
How To Make This Recipe
Here are the main steps to make this cocktail:
- Reduce the apple cider until it’s syrupy.
- Combine the bourbon, pear liqueur, reduced apple cider, pear juice, and ice and stir.
- Light a match and flame the orange peel, then drop it into the drink and serve with a cinnamon stick, as desired.
Variations On This Recipe
For a lighter pear cocktail, top it with a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water. Swap bourbon for rye or aged rum to lean the pear cocktail more toward spiced or tropical. You can also make a smoky pear cocktail by adding a bar spoon of mezcal, which plays beautifully with the pear and cider notes.
What To Serve With This
A pear cocktail pairs beautifully with cheese boards, roasted nuts, charcuterie, or any fall dessert like an apple tart. This pear cocktail also complements cozy meals such as braised meats, roasted squash dishes, or hearty grain bowls. If entertaining, serve this pear cocktail as the welcome drink for an instant fall ambiance.
Similar Cocktails To Try
Here are a few other cocktails we think you’ll like:
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Ciderhouse Pear Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
For The Reduced Pear Cider:
- 1 gallon unfiltered apple cider
For The Pear Coctail:
- 1 1/2 ounces good-quality bourbon
- 1 ounce unsweetened pear juice
- 1 ounce boiled cider
- 1/2 ounce Spiced Pear Liqueur such as St George Spirits
- Ice cubes
For Garnish:
- Strips of orange peel optional garnish
- Cinnamon stick optional garnish
Instructions
- Reduce The Cider: Gently boil apple cider in a heavy-bottomed pot, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to 1/8 the original volume (making 2 cups syrup), about 2 hours. Let cool to room temperature and store, refrigerated, in an air-tight container.TIP: The boiled cider can be made two weeks ahead - store refrigerated in an airtight container and bring to room temperature (at least until pourable) before using.
- Make The Cocktail: Combine bourbon, pear liqueur, 1 ounce of the boiled cider, and pear juice over ice and stir gently. If desired, light a match and flame the orange peel (check out this tutorial for tips). Twist orange zest and drop into drink, stir with the cinnamon stick (if using), and serve.TIP: You don't have to flame the orange peel but it will give it a more distinct flavor (and looks cool when you make it)!
