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
Scale
Fruit and Spices
- 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on)
- 1 orange, sliced (skin on)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Liquids and Syrups
- 1/4 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 Tbsp 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 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 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
