There’s something incredibly cozy about a drink that’s both warming and refreshing at once — that’s exactly what the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe delivers. With its blend of juicy pears, bright citrus, and the gentle sweetness of maple syrup, spiced just right, it’s a mocktail you’ll find yourself making again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is one of those drinks that feels like it was made for cozy evenings and friendly gatherings. I adore how the flavors come together—they’re familiar yet unexpectedly delightful.
- Comfort in a glass: The warm spices combined with maple syrup make this mocktail feel like a gentle hug on a chilly day.
- Fresh and zesty: The citrus adds a bright lift that keeps the drink from being too heavy or sweet.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, which means no last-minute grocery runs.
- Flexible and fun: It’s easy to tweak this mocktail to suit your taste, whether you want it spicier, sweeter, or fizzier.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe balances the juicy sweetness of pears with the tang of oranges and a touch of warming spices, all sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Here’s how each ingredient plays its part:
- D’Anjou pears: These pears are firm and sweet, perfect for infusing bright yet mellow pear notes without turning mushy quickly.
- Orange slices: Using oranges with the skin on adds a slight bitterness and citrus aroma that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: It might sound unusual, but a little olive oil adds smoothness and rounds out the flavors nicely—like a secret ingredient.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a rich, woodsy depth that pairs beautifully with spices.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: This warming spice trio gives the mocktail its seasonal, comforting vibe.
- Filtered water: Keeps the flavors light and refreshing without diluting the intensity.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Brightens the drink with a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
- Ginger beer: Topping the mocktail with ginger beer adds lively fizz and a spicy kick, making it even more delightful.
- Rosemary sprigs (optional): They add a fragrant herbal note and make for a lovely garnish that impresses guests.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I’ve played around with the spice ratios and even swapped maple syrup for honey once with great results.
- Variation: For a little extra zing, I sometimes add a splash of fresh ginger juice or muddle a few slices of ginger along with the pears before simmering—it adds a fresh spice that’s amazing for cold days.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the fruit and spices
First, I slice up the pears and oranges with their skins on. Keeping the skin adds beautiful color and a bit more texture. Then, I combine them in a medium saucepan with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—this is where the warm aroma starts filling your kitchen, and it’s so inviting.
Step 2: Simmer with maple syrup and water
Add the maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, and filtered water to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. I usually let it cook for about 20 minutes until the fruit softens and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn.
Step 3: Strain and add fresh citrus juice
Once it’s done simmering, I strain out the solids and pour the infused liquid back into a pitcher. Then, I stir in freshly squeezed orange juice and a pinch of cinnamon to brighten and freshen the flavor.
Step 4: Serve with ginger beer and garnish
I fill glasses halfway with the pear-citrus mixture, then top off with ginger beer for that delightful fizz and spice. Garnishing with a sprig of rosemary adds an aromatic touch that's as lovely as it is tasty.
Top Tip
During my first few attempts, I realized the magic comes from balancing sweet and spice—not too much spice to overpower, but enough to feel cozy. Here are some things I learned that might help you perfect your Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe:
- Simmer gently: Keeping the heat low prevents the maple syrup from burning and preserves subtle flavors in the pears and orange skin.
- Strain carefully: Removing the solids creates a smooth drink — use a fine mesh sieve and press down lightly on the fruit to extract all that lovely flavor.
- Fresh juice finish: Adding freshly squeezed orange juice right before serving brightens the flavor and prevents it from tasting cooked or flat.
- Top with ginger beer last: Add this just before serving to keep that refreshing fizz lively and enjoyable.
How to Serve Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of rosemary sprigs because they’re aromatic and elegant, making the drink feel extra special. A thin orange wheel on the rim adds a pop of color, and a cinnamon stick can double as a tasty stirrer.
Side Dishes
This mocktail pairs wonderfully with light, fresh appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese boards with fruit, or even a warm slice of pumpkin bread when you want a cozy snack alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I love serving this mocktail in clear glass mugs with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary tied with a bit of twine. It instantly makes the drink look festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover pear-citrus syrup base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it separate from the ginger beer to preserve the fizz when ready to serve.
Freezing
Freezing this mocktail base works well if you want to prepare ahead of a big party. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before mixing with fresh orange juice and ginger beer. Avoid freezing after adding ginger beer as carbonation doesn’t hold up.
Reheating
If you prefer this mocktail warm, gently reheat the syrup base on the stove until just warmed through, then add orange juice (room temperature) and skip the ginger beer or top with warm sparkling water for a cozy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Bartlett or Bosc pears can work well, but D’Anjou pears hold their shape better while simmering. Just choose ripe but firm pears to avoid a mushy texture.
Yes! To make it a cocktail, you can add a shot of bourbon or spiced rum. The flavors pair beautifully and it turns into a cozy adult drink for chilly nights.
Definitely! Make the spiced pear syrup base a day ahead, refrigerate it separately, and just mix with fresh orange juice and ginger beer when you’re ready to serve for freshest results.
Choose a ginger beer with natural ingredients and moderate sweetness. I like brands that have a good spicy kick without being overwhelmingly sweet, which complements the maple and spices nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen especially when the weather cools down. It’s the kind of drink that feels thoughtful and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy cozy moments with every sip.
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Spiced Maple Pear 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 non-alcoholic drink featuring a sweet and tangy blend of D’Anjou pears, fresh oranges, pure maple syrup, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Topped with ginger beer and garnished with rosemary, this mocktail offers a perfect balance of flavors and is ideal for any occasion. Completely vegan and can be easily adapted into an alcoholic version.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on)
- 1 orange, sliced (skin on)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups filtered water
Additional Ingredients
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Ginger beer, for topping
- Rosemary sprigs, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and slice the D’Anjou pears and the whole orange (with skin on) into thin slices to extract maximum flavor during cooking.
- Sauté the fruit and spices: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pears, orange slices, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. Sauté gently for 5 minutes until the fruit begins to soften.
- Add maple syrup and water: Pour in ¼ cup pure maple syrup and 2 cups of filtered water into the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to infuse flavors: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the spices and fruit to infuse the liquid.
- Strain the mixture: Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the warm spiced pear and citrus liquid into a pitcher, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids afterwards.
- Mix fresh orange juice and syrup: Add the juice of 1 freshly-squeezed orange, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon to the strained mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Chill the mocktail base: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or until cold.
- Serve the mocktail: Fill serving glasses halfway with the chilled spiced pear citrus mixture. Top with ginger beer to add a fizzy finish. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary if desired for an aromatic touch.
- Optional alcoholic variation: For an alcoholic version, add a shot of whiskey or bourbon when preparing the cocktail for an added warming depth.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm D’Anjou pears for the best flavor and texture in the mocktail.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the maple syrup amount slightly to taste.
- To make the drink ahead, prepare the spiced fruit mixture and keep it refrigerated; add ginger beer just before serving to maintain fizz.
- Rosemary sprigs add an aromatic garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- The mocktail is naturally vegan, gluten free, and can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
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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