There’s something so comforting about a warm, spiced drink that still feels light and fresh. This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe combines juicy pears with citrus and cozy spices for a mocktail that’s both elegant and easy to love. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your go-to for chilly evenings or festive get-togethers.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
What I adore about this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is how it hits that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy without any alcohol. It feels just like a little celebration in a glass, and honestly, guests always ask for it again.
- Unique Flavor Combo: The mix of spiced pears, citrus, and maple syrup creates layers of warmth and brightness you won’t find in your average mocktail.
- Easy to Make: With simple, natural ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you can quickly throw together — no fancy bartending skills needed.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spices or swap in sparkling water or ginger beer depending on your mood or the occasion.
- Vegan and Crowd-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy this because it’s completely alcohol-free and naturally vegan.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe feels thoughtful because each ingredient brings something special: the pears give a subtle sweetness and texture, while the spices and maple syrup add warmth and balance. Here’s why you want each one on hand when making this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe.
- D’Anjou Pears: I like to keep the skin on for extra fiber and that lovely fresh pear flavor that shines through when cooked gently.
- Orange (both sliced and freshly squeezed): The fresh citrus adds vibrancy and a zesty kick that brightens up the drink’s sweetness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This might surprise you, but a tablespoon adds a silky texture and depth — don’t skip it!
- Pure Maple Syrup: Using real maple syrup brings a natural sweetness and a mild caramel note unlike refined sugars.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: These warm spices create that cozy, autumnal feel that wraps the flavors together beautifully.
- Filtered Water: It’s the base that lightens the drink while keeping it fresh and clear.
- Ginger Beer: The final fizzy top-off adds a spicy bite and fun effervescence, though you can skip it for a calmer mocktail.
- Rosemary Sprigs (optional): I always add a sprig or two for aroma and a touch of herbaceous charm — it makes the serving extra special.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is how much room there is to play. Whether it’s dialing up the spices for a punchier warming effect or switching out ginger beer for sparkling water, you can easily customize it to match your taste or occasion.
- Variation: I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract for a sweeter, dessert-like vibe. It’s my little secret twist.
- Seasonal Switch-up: Swap out oranges for blood oranges or tangerines in winter — it changes the flavor without fuss.
- Low-Sugar Option: Cut back on maple syrup slightly and let the pear’s natural sweetness shine more.
- Alcoholic Upgrade: Feeling festive? Add a shot of bourbon or spiced rum to transform this into a cozy cocktail.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Those Pears and Citrus
Start by slicing your D’Anjou pears and one orange, keeping the skin on for flavor and texture. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the pears and orange slices. Let them cook gently for about 8-10 minutes until they soften and start releasing their juices. This step really brings out the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor base.
Step 2: Add the Warm Spices and Maple Syrup
Once your pears and citrus are nicely softened, sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over the fruit. Pour in the maple syrup and stir well to combine. You want the spices to bloom in the warm fruit juices, creating that cozy, spiced flavor. Let it simmer gently for around 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan.
Step 3: Blend and Freshen It Up
Transfer the spiced pear mixture to your blender, add the freshly squeezed orange juice, filtered water, and a pinch more cinnamon, then blend until smooth. This creates the perfect spiced maple pear base that’s rich but not too thick — just right for a mocktail.
Step 4: Serve with a Fizzy Finish
Pour your blended mocktail into glasses over ice if you like it cold. Top each serving with ginger beer for a spicy, bubbly kick. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary not only looks gorgeous but adds an inviting aroma that sets this drink apart.
Top Tip
From my many attempts making this mocktail, I’ve learned that timing and ingredient quality are everything. Using ripe pears and fresh spices transforms the experience entirely. Avoid rushing the sauté step — letting the pears soften properly makes all the difference.
- Use Ripe Pears: Check for slight softness but no bruises. Ripe pears give vibrant, juicy sweetness that’s key to the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: It may sound unusual in a drink recipe, but it adds a subtle richness that rounds out the spices and maple perfectly.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat moderate when cooking the fruit; too high and the sugars might burn or turn bitter.
- Add Ginger Beer Last: For the best bubbly effect, add it right before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.
How to Serve Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this mocktail with a fresh rosemary sprig—it’s simple but fancy-looking and gives a lovely piney scent as you sip. Thin orange wheel slices on the rim are pretty and highlight the citrus in the drink. Sometimes, I add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and style.
Side Dishes
This mocktail pairs beautifully with cheese and charcuterie boards featuring mild cheeses and nuts. It also complements autumnal snacks like spiced nuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a warm apple crisp for a dessert pairing that feels just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe in vintage-style glass tumblers topped with edible gold flakes or sugared rosemary for sparkle. Using clear glasses really shows off the warm amber color, which always gets compliments and sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover mocktail base (before adding ginger beer) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving because some settling happens naturally. It’s a great option to have ready for a quick cozy drink after work.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite for this mocktail since the texture changes when thawed, especially with the fresh citrus and spices. However, you could freeze the spiced fruit base in ice cube trays and blend with fresh juice when ready to serve for a quick fix.
Reheating
If you prefer the mocktail warm, gently reheat the base on the stove over low heat before adding ginger beer. Avoid boiling as it can dull the fresh flavors. Then, top with ginger beer once it’s just warm enough to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Bartlett or Bosc pears can work too, but D’Anjou pears balance sweetness and firmness best for this recipe. Just adjust cooking time if your pears are softer or firmer.
Not at all. The ginger beer adds a nice spicy fizz, but you can simply use sparkling water or enjoy the mocktail as is for a smoother, less fizzy experience.
This recipe is already completely vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just make sure your maple syrup and ginger beer are certified vegan.
Yes! You can make the spiced pear and citrus base a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add ginger beer and garnishes just before serving to keep that fresh fizz and aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for bringing people together without the fuss of alcohol. It’s comforting, elegant, and endlessly adaptable, so I hope you give it a try soon — I can almost guarantee it’ll be a hit with anyone you share it with!
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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 combines the natural sweetness of D’Anjou pears and orange with warm spices and pure maple syrup, topped with ginger beer for a refreshing and cozy non-alcoholic drink perfect for any season.
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
Liquid Ingredients
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- ginger beer, for topping
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Garnish
- Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Slice the 2 medium D’Anjou pears and 1 orange with the skin on and set aside for simmering.
- Simmer the Spiced Pear Mixture: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pears, orange, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. Pour in 2 cups of filtered water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until the fruit softens and the flavors meld.
- Strain the Mixture: After simmering, remove from heat and strain the liquid into a pitcher, discarding the solids or saving them for another use.
- Add Fresh Orange Juice and Maple Syrup: Stir in freshly squeezed juice from 1 orange and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup into the strained liquid. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and mix well.
- Chill the Base: Refrigerate the spiced pear citrus mixture until cold, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Mocktail: Pour the chilled mixture into serving glasses, filling each glass about three-quarters full. Top off with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass if desired for aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy, refreshing mocktail.
Notes
- For an alcoholic version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum.
- The orange slices with skin add extra citrus oils and flavor; wash thoroughly before use.
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity to your desired sweetness level.
- Rosemary sprigs add an herbal aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use fresh ginger beer to enhance the spice and fizz of the mocktail.
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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