A cozy and festive take on a timeless favorite, this Spiced Pear Gin and Tonic blends the crisp, botanical notes of gin with a fragrant homemade spiced pear syrup. The result is a warming, seasonal cocktail that feels just right for holiday parties or quiet winter evenings by the fire. It’s refreshing yet subtly spiced—perfect for sipping when the air turns crisp and cozy vibes take over.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 oz gin
1 oz spiced pear simple syrup
4 oz tonic water
Ice
Pear slices and cinnamon stick, for garnish
For the Spiced Pear Simple Syrup:
1 ripe pear, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Directions
To make the spiced pear syrup, I combine the chopped pear, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. I let it simmer for about 10 minutes, gently mashing the pear to release its juices as it cooks.
Once that’s done, I remove it from the heat and let it steep for another 15 minutes before straining it through a fine mesh sieve. I discard the solids and store the syrup in the fridge until chilled.
To build the cocktail, I start by filling a glass with ice. I pour in the gin and the spiced pear syrup, top it with tonic water, and stir gently. For the final touch, I garnish with a few fresh pear slices and a cinnamon stick for extra aroma and style.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Calories: 160 kcal
Variations
Make it a mocktail: I swap the gin for more tonic water or use a non-alcoholic gin alternative to keep it booze-free but still flavorful.
Try a flavored tonic: I like experimenting with pear or elderflower tonic for an extra layer of flavor.
Use apple instead of pear: If I’m out of pears, I’ve made the syrup with apples and it works just as beautifully.
Add fresh herbs: A sprig of rosemary or thyme adds a nice herbal note if I want to mix things up.
Storage/Reheating
The cocktail itself is best enjoyed fresh, but I store any leftover spiced pear syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I don’t reheat the syrup for this drink—it’s meant to be chilled—but I always shake or stir it before using it again.
FAQs
What type of gin works best for this cocktail?
I prefer a London Dry gin for its clean, crisp flavor, but a more floral or spiced gin can complement the pear syrup nicely if I want a different twist.
Can I make the spiced pear syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often make the syrup a few days ahead and store it in the fridge—it actually gets more flavorful after a day or two.
Do I need to peel the pear for the syrup?
Nope, I don’t peel it. The peel adds color and extra flavor to the syrup. Just make sure to wash it well before chopping.
What’s the best way to garnish this drink?
I love using thin slices of fresh pear and a cinnamon stick. They look beautiful and enhance the aroma of the drink.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Yes! I scale the ingredients to make a pitcher, mix everything except the tonic, and keep it chilled. When guests arrive, I pour it over ice and top with tonic individually.
Conclusion
This Spiced Pear Gin and Tonic is my go-to winter cocktail when I want something easy but a little bit special. The homemade syrup adds warmth and depth, while the gin and tonic bring in that refreshing sparkle I love. Whether I’m entertaining or just winding down, this drink always hits the right note for the season.
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Spiced Pear Gin and Tonic
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, festive twist on the classic gin and tonic featuring a fragrant homemade spiced pear syrup. Perfect for holiday gatherings or relaxing winter evenings.
Ingredients
2 oz gin
1 oz spiced pear simple syrup
4 oz tonic water
Ice
Pear slices and cinnamon stick, for garnish
For the Spiced Pear Simple Syrup:
1 ripe pear, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped pear, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, gently mashing the pear to release its juices.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids, and chill the syrup in the refrigerator.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in gin and spiced pear syrup.
- Top with tonic water and stir gently.
- Garnish with pear slices and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Use flavored tonic like pear or elderflower for added depth.
Substitute apple for pear if needed.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a herbal twist.
Store leftover syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week; shake before using.
Make a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic gin or extra tonic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
