Nothing beats the cozy, uplifting flavors of this **Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe**—it brings together juicy pears, zesty oranges, and warm spices in the most delightful, refreshing way. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be reaching for it all year round!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this mocktail because it hits the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced—all without any alcohol. It’s my go-to drink whenever I want something festive but easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
- Seasonal Freshness: The combination of ripe pears and fresh oranges makes this drink taste bright and natural, highlighting the best of fall and winter flavors.
- Balanced Sweetness: Using pure maple syrup keeps the sweetness rich yet subtle, avoiding overpowering sugary drinks.
- Warm Spice Notes: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add that comforting hint of warmth that invites you to slow down and savor every sip.
- Versatility: Whether you're serving company or just treating yourself, this mocktail can easily be adjusted to suit personal tastes or special occasions.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays an important role in bringing depth and refreshment to this mocktail. Here’s why I pick these elements for the best flavor combo and helpful tips on finding quality ingredients.
- D’Anjou Pears: Their firm texture holds up beautifully while simmering, and their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with spices.
- Fresh Oranges: Using both sliced orange with skin and freshly squeezed juice layers the citrus flavor for complexity and brightness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It might surprise you here, but a splash adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that rounds out the drink.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with subtle caramel notes, much better than refined sugars in my opinion.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: These warm spices give that cozy flavor profile that makes this mocktail so inviting.
- Filtered Water: Using filtered water ensures a clean base so the delicate flavors aren’t muddied.
- Ginger Beer: Topping off with ginger beer introduces a spicy fizz that’s refreshing and balances the sweetness.
- Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): A little herbaceous touch to garnish adds a lovely aroma and a festive look.
Make It Your Way
This Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe invites personal touches—you can easily tweak the sweetness, spice level, or even swap out ingredients to fit your mood or dietary needs.
- Variation: I once swapped ginger beer for sparkling apple cider, which gave it a softer fizz and a delightful apple undertone.
- Seasonal Twist: Add a splash of cranberry juice for a festive flavor around the holidays.
- Spice Adjustment: If you prefer less spice, reduce the nutmeg and allspice by half—you’ll still get that cozy vibe without it being overpowering.
- Alcoholic Kick: For grown-up gatherings, a shot of spiced rum blends beautifully with this mocktail to create a cozy cocktail.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fruit and Spices
Start by slicing the pears and the first orange—don’t peel them because the zest adds a nice flavor boost. In a medium saucepan, add the sliced fruit, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and filtered water. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This step lets the fruit release its juices and the spices bloom to infuse the liquid with deep aroma.
Step 2: Simmer and Sweeten
Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the pears soften and the syrupy liquid forms. Keep an eye so it doesn’t boil over or burn—medium heat is your friend here. Once done, remove from heat; if you like, strain for a smoother mocktail or keep the fruit bits for texture.
Step 3: Add Fresh Citrus and Finish
Stir in the freshly squeezed juice of the second orange, two tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon while the mixture is still warm. Chill it slightly or pour over ice, then top off each glass with spicy ginger beer for that irresistible fizz. Garnish with a rosemary sprig if you’re feeling fancy—it smells as good as it looks!
Top Tip
From personal experience, the magic of this mocktail really comes from balancing flavors and controlling heat—too hot, and you lose subtle citrus brightness; too cool, and spices don’t marry well. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat moderate so the pears soften but don’t turn mushy, preserving a lovely texture.
- Maple Syrup Magic: Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup—it makes a world of difference in flavor authenticity.
- Fresh Juice First: Adding fresh orange juice after simmering keeps that fresh zing that brightens each sip.
- Don’t Rush the Fizz: Add ginger beer last to keep the bubbly intact and delightfully refreshing.
How to Serve Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple rosemary sprigs because their piney aroma pairs beautifully with the spices. Sometimes I add a thin orange wheel or a cinnamon stick stirrer for extra wow factor—these little touches make serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This mocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers—think spiced nuts, soft cheeses, or even a cozy pumpkin soup. I often serve it alongside a cheese board when friends come over to keep the vibe elevated yet relaxed.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve this mocktail in clear glass mugs to showcase the warm colors. Garnishing each with a cinnamon stick and fresh rosemary makes it look festive and inviting. Ice cubes made with frozen pear puree add extra flavor and keep drinks cold without diluting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover spiced pear mixture in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good reheated or chilled, making it convenient to prep ahead for gatherings or quiet evenings.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite for this recipe, as the texture of pears and spices can get muted when thawed. However, if you want to freeze, do so without the ginger beer, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, just warm enough to bring out aromas without boiling. Then cool and add fresh ginger beer for fizz before serving—you’ll get the best flavor balance this way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Bartlett or Bosc pears work well too, but D’Anjou gives the best balance between firmness and sweetness for this mocktail.
Absolutely! You can add a shot of spiced rum or bourbon to turn this into a cozy cocktail perfect for chilly evenings.
Stored in an airtight container, the pear and spice base will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but be sure to add ginger beer only before serving to keep it fizzy.
Yes! This entire recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like maple syrup instead of honey, and no dairy or animal products are involved.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite drinks to share with friends or enjoy on a quiet evening. It’s the kind of recipe that feels thoughtful yet easy, familiar yet exciting. Once you try it, I bet you’ll keep coming back for that cozy, spiced citrus hug—just like I do.
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Spiced Pear Citrus Mocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail is a cozy and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. Combining the sweet and tangy flavors of pear and citrus with pure maple syrup and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, it offers a deliciously comforting beverage. Topped with ginger beer and optionally garnished with rosemary sprigs, this vegan mocktail provides a warm hug in a glass.
Ingredients
Fruit and Spices
- 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on)
- 1 orange, sliced (skin on)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Liquids and Syrups
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup (for mixing)
- Ginger beer, for topping
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Spices: Wash and slice the D’Anjou pears and one orange, keeping their skins on to preserve flavor and nutrients. Measure out the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Cook the Pear and Orange Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced pears and orange with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Syrup, Spices, and Water: Pour in ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice. Add 2 cups of filtered water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the fruit to infuse the liquid with flavor and the spices to blend thoroughly.
- Strain and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing to extract maximum flavor. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Add Fresh Orange Juice and Maple Syrup: Stir in the freshly squeezed juice of one orange and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup into the cooled mixture. Mix well.
- Assemble the Mocktail: Fill serving glasses halfway with the spiced pear citrus base. Top off each glass with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon on top and optionally garnish with rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail.
Notes
- For a stronger spice flavor, gently muddle the spices with the fruit before cooking.
- Use ginger beer with low sugar content to reduce sweetness if desired.
- Rosemary sprigs add a lovely aroma but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- This mocktail is naturally vegan, but you can add a splash of your favorite alcohol for an adult version.
- Keep the fruit skins on for extra fiber and nutrients, but ensure they are well washed.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 66 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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