Ginger Pear Cocktail
This pear ginger beer cocktail is one of those drinks that sounds kind of fancy, but really comes together in about an hour start to finish. The homemade pear simple syrup is easy to make, and once it’s made, you just pour, stir, and enjoy.
You may also love my apple sangria and sour apple martini recipes.
💌 Don't forget to save this recipe!
This is one of those cocktails I always get asked about when I serve it. With the sage garnish and beautiful greenish yellow color, people are always surprised by how simple it actually is.
If you are putting together a little spread, it pairs really nicely with small bites like Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and Olive Tapenade.
It’s perfect for the in-between months when the weather starts to cool down but you are not quite ready to commit to a hot drink yet.
The combination of homemade pear syrup, lemon vodka, and ginger beer is really well balanced. It’s not too sweet or too sharp.
I like to use Anjou pears most often because they tend to be a little milder and sweeter, which makes for a more balanced syrup. That said, Bartlett and Bosc both work well too. Bartlett will give you a slightly brighter, fruitier flavor, while Bosc tends to be a little earthier. Just make sure whatever you grab is ripe. An underripe pear will not have much flavor, and the syrup will taste flat.
How to Make a Pear Ginger Cocktail
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, diced pears, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Mash the pears slightly, then strain out the liquid and set aside to cool.
- Add a large ice cube and three tablespoons of pear simple syrup into a cocktail glass.
- Next, pour in ginger beer until the glass is about ¾ full.
- Add the lemon vodka and stir to combine. Garnish with a pear slice and a sprig of sage. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- This cocktail needs to be stirred, not shaken! The ginger beer needs to stay deliciously bubbly, which can’t happen if it’s shaken up.
- If lemon vodka is hard to find in your area, citron vodka is a great swap and tends to have a cleaner lemon flavor than some lemon vodka brands, which can taste a little artificial. Plain unflavored vodka also works fine. Some people like vanilla vodka with pear, but depending on the brand it can overpower the other flavors, so I’d use that one with caution.
- Make sure your pear simple syrup is cooled to room temperature prior to stirring into your drink. You want to avoid the syrup melting the ice or causing the drink to be warm.
- Making this for a crowd? The pear simple syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, set it out with the ginger beer and vodka and let guests assemble their own drinks. Just remind everyone to stir, not shake!
Make It a Mocktail
Skip the vodka and top the glass off with extra ginger beer plus a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon keeps it from tasting too sweet, and the ginger beer gives it enough body that it still feels like a real drink. It’s a great option if you are hosting a mix of people or just want something refreshing without the alcohol.
Storage
Storage: The simple syrup will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 weeks, so it’s easy to make in advance.
The cocktail should be enjoyed immediately. Storing is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer has a much stronger, spicier ginger flavor and less sweetness than ginger ale. Ginger ale is closer to a soft drink. For this recipe, ginger beer is the right call. Ginger ale will make the cocktail taste much flatter and sweeter than intended.
Can I make the pear simple syrup ahead of time?
Yes, and I recommend it. The syrup keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Making it a day or two ahead means the cocktail itself comes together in just a couple of minutes when you are ready to serve.
Can I use pear juice instead of making the syrup?
The homemade syrup gives you a much richer, more concentrated pear flavor than store-bought pear juice. If you need a shortcut, pear juice will work, but the cocktail will be lighter in flavor and you may want to adjust the sweetness.
More Cocktail Recipes:
- Pumpkin Martini
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Pink Lady
- Negroni Sbagliato
- Espresso Martini
- Apple Cider Martini
- White Russian
Ingredients
Pear Simple Syrup:
- 2 pears, large, diced
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Cocktail:
- 3 tablespoons pear simple syrup
- ½ cup ginger beer
- ¼ cup lemon vodka, may substitute with citrus vodka
- Sage, fresh, for garnish
💌 Don't forget to save this recipe!
Instructions
For the Pear Simple Syrup
- In a large saucepan, combine diced pears, sugar, and water. Bring the ingredients to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes.2 pears1 ½ cups granulated sugar1 cup water
- After the mixture simmers, slightly mash the pears then strain the liquid so only the syrup remains. Set aside to cool.
For the Cocktail
- Add a large ice cube and three tablespoons of pear simple syrup into a cocktail glass.3 tablespoons pear simple syrup
- Next, pour in ginger beer until the glass is about ¾ full. Add the lemon vodka and stir to combine.½ cup ginger beer¼ cup lemon vodka
- Garnish with a pear slice and a sprig of sage. Enjoy!Sage
Notes
- The serving size is 1 cocktail. Actual calories will vary.
- You can make the simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.