The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start thinking about festive drinks! As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to find the time to make something special. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. My sparkling pear and cinnamon mocktail is the perfect blend of refreshing and cozy, and it’s so easy to make! The total time to create this delicious drink is approximately 35 minutes to 4 hours, which includes chilling time. This sparkling pear and cinnamon mocktail will be a hit at any gathering.
Amazing Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Add the pear juice, maple syrup, and vanilla bean pods to the pitcher. Give it a few stirs to release some of the beans. Refrigerate for 30 min or up to 4 hours.
- Right before serving, prep the glasses by rubbing a lemon or lime wedge over the side rim of glass.
- Pour the cinnamon sugar onto a flat plate. Dip the glasses in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Pour 1 cup of sparkling water into the pitcher and give it a stir. I do this right before serving to preserve the fizz.
- Add a handful of ice to each glass. Fill each glass with the sparkling vanilla pear mocktail blend.
- Garnish each glass with vanilla bean pod and sprigs of thyme (optional).
Notes
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
- Elegant for Entertaining: This mocktail looks and tastes sophisticated, making it perfect for parties and special holiday gatherings.
- Readily Available Ingredients: I designed this recipe using ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- Healthier Alternative: Compared to sugary sodas and cocktails, this mocktail is a lighter, more refreshing option.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Your Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive drink:
- 3 cups Ceres pear juice blend
- 2 vanilla bean pods
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 lemon or lime wedge (to prep glasses)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for coating glass)
- Ice
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality pear juice. You can typically find great vanilla beans at specialty stores or online.
How to Make Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get mixing! Here’s how to make this delicious sparkling mocktail.
- Add the pear juice, maple syrup, and vanilla bean pods to the pitcher. Give it a few stirs to release some of the beans. Refrigerate for 30 min or up to 4 hours.
- Right before serving, prep the glasses by rubbing a lemon or lime wedge over the side rim of glass.
- Pour the cinnamon sugar onto a flat plate. Dip the glasses in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Pour 1 cup of sparkling water into the pitcher and give it a stir. I do this right before serving to preserve the fizz.
- Add a handful of ice to each glass. Fill each glass with the sparkling vanilla pear mocktail blend.
- Garnish each glass with vanilla bean pod and sprigs of thyme (optional).
Tips for the Best Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
To really elevate this mocktail, here are a few extra tips: Try adding a few drops of almond extract for a warm, nutty flavor that complements the pear and cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg for added spice. I also highly recommend chilling the pear juice mixture before serving; this makes a huge difference. Also, add the sparkling water right before serving to keep the bubbles lively.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand, and that’s perfectly okay! Here are some easy substitutions you can make:
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Pear Juice | Apple juice, white grape juice |
| Maple Syrup | Honey, agave nectar |
| Cinnamon | Cardamom, allspice |
| Vanilla Bean Pods | Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) |
How to Garnish Your Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
Garnishes can take your mocktail from simple to stunning! Consider adding fresh pear slices or apple slices for a touch of fruit. Cinnamon sticks and star anise not only look beautiful but also add a hint of spice. For a touch of whimsy, sprinkle edible glitter over the top.
Make it a Cocktail (Optional)
Want to turn this mocktail into a cocktail for the adults? Add a shot of vodka, gin, or bourbon. For a delicious pairing, try a vanilla vodka or a cinnamon-flavored whiskey, which will both complement the pear and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can easily prepare the pear juice infusion ahead of time. Simply mix the pear juice, vanilla bean pods, and maple syrup, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add the sparkling water to keep the fizz alive.
Storing Your Sparkling Pear and Cinnamon Mocktail
This mocktail is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftover infused pear juice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days.
Scaling the Recipe for a Crowd
To make a larger batch for parties, simply multiply the ingredients. For example, to serve 10 people, you’ll need 30 cups of pear juice blend, 20 vanilla bean pods, 10 tbsp of maple syrup, and 10 cups of sparkling water. Prepare in a large pitcher or punch bowl for easy serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common mistakes when making mocktails: Over-sweetening can mask the other flavors, so start with less sweetener and add more to taste. Not chilling the ingredients can make the drink less refreshing. And adding sparkling water too early will cause it to lose its fizz.
A Brief History of Pear and Cinnamon Flavors
The combination of pear and cinnamon is a timeless classic. Both have been enjoyed for centuries, and their complementary flavors make them a perfect pair. This mocktail was inspired by the warm, comforting flavors of autumn and winter, bringing a touch of sweet festive cheer to any occasion.
Equipment Suggestions
To enhance your mocktail experience, consider using champagne flutes or coupe glasses. A jigger can help you measure ingredients accurately, and a bar spoon is perfect for stirring.
Tasting Notes
This sparkling pear and cinnamon mocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors. The pear juice provides a delicate sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice. The vanilla enhances the pear flavor, creating a smooth, aromatic finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other fruits pair well with pear and cinnamon?
Apples, cranberries, and oranges all pair wonderfully with pear and cinnamon.
What are some festive garnishes for mocktails?
Besides the ones I’ve already mentioned, consider using sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs with a dusting of powdered sugar, or even small edible flowers.
How can I make a mocktail sweeter without using sugar?
Natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia are great alternatives. You can also use fruit purees or concentrated fruit juices to add sweetness and flavor.
Can I use flavored sparkling water?
Yes! Pear or cinnamon flavored sparkling water would add an extra burst of flavor.
How long can I store the finished mocktail?
It’s best enjoyed immediately, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though the sparkling water may lose some fizz.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this sparkling pear and cinnamon mocktail as much as I do! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It’s so exciting for me to share recipes like this with all of you. Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Share your photos and tag @CookingInspired!
