There’s something utterly comforting about a drink that combines juicy pears with warm spices and a touch of maple sweetness. This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe captures that cozy vibe perfectly—bright citrus notes meet soft pear flavor topped off with a gentle fizz. It’s my go-to when I want a festive non-alcoholic treat that feels special without fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Every time I serve this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe to friends or family, it feels like instant warmth wrapped in a glass. What’s great is how approachable it is—simple ingredients, but layered flavors that feel fancy and comforting at once.
- Comfort in a glass: The blend of maple syrup and warm spices makes this drink feel like a cozy hug inside a cup.
- Bright yet soothing: Fresh orange and pear bring brightness that balances the warming spice notes beautifully.
- Easy to make ahead: You can prepare the spiced pear base early, making this mocktail perfect for gatherings.
- All ages welcome: It’s non-alcoholic but sophisticated enough to impress cocktail lovers and kids alike.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic in this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe comes from combining fresh fruit and warming fall spices with just the right sweetness and a fizzy finish. Here’s why each component earns its spot.
- D’Anjou pears: Their firm texture and sweet, mellow flavor hold up well when cooked and provide a lovely natural sweetness with a silky feel.
- Orange slices: Using the peel and pulp adds vibrant citrus oils and tang that brighten the sweetness of the pears.
- Extra virgin olive oil: It might sound unusual, but a little oil smooths out the flavors and adds a subtle richness to the mocktail base.
- Pure maple syrup: This gives a nuanced sweetness with hints of caramel, perfect for enhancing the pear and spice without overpowering.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: Classic warming spices that complement the pears and maple perfectly, creating depth and complexity.
- Filtered water: Keeps the flavor clear and fresh, allowing the fruit and spices to shine.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds a zesty brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ginger beer: The sparkling, slightly spicy finish brings life and excitement to each sip.
- Rosemary sprigs (optional): A fragrant herb garnish that adds an elegant rustic touch and gentle piney aroma.
Make It Your Way
I love trying little twists on this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe depending on the season or the mood—like swapping ginger beer for sparkling water or experimenting with herbs as garnishes. Don’t hesitate to get creative and find your favorite combo!
- Variation: One of my favorite spins is adding a splash of apple cider instead of orange juice—it amps up the fall vibes wonderfully.
- For extra warmth: Serve it warm on chilly nights by gently heating the pear-spice mixture before topping with ginger beer for a comforting twist.
- Diet-friendly options: Make sure to select pure maple syrup and check your ginger beer label if you want to keep it vegan or sugar-conscious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Roast the pears and oranges to build flavor
Start by slicing your D’Anjou pears and one orange (skin on for extra zest). Toss them gently with the olive oil, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a roasting dish. Pop them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Keep an eye so they don’t burn—soft and caramelized is what you want, not mushy or charred!
Step 2: Blend and sweeten the base
Once roasted, transfer the pear and orange mixture to a blender. Add 2 cups of filtered water and blend until smooth. Taste and stir in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to get the balance just right—sweet but not syrupy. The texture should be silky and pourable.
Step 3: Assemble the mocktail with fresh juice and fizz
Pour the blended pear-spice base into glasses, add freshly squeezed juice from your second orange, then top with spicy ginger beer for that bubbly lift. Give it a gentle stir, garnish with a sprig of rosemary if you like, and serve immediately!
Top Tip
I’ve learned that roasting the pears and oranges before blending is the game changer here. It deepens the flavors and softens the fruit perfectly, making a smooth and naturally sweet mocktail base.
- Roasting for Depth: Don’t skip roasting! It caramelizes the sugars and amps up the fragrant spices, giving your drink warmth in every sip.
- Balance Sweetness Slowly: Add maple syrup gradually—each pear and orange vary in sweetness, so tasting is key for avoiding an overly sugary mocktail.
- Chill but Serve Fresh: The ginger beer fizz best shines when added last and right before serving; otherwise, you’ll lose that fun sparkle.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Rosemary sprigs are more than pretty—they infuse subtle aroma that elevates the drink’s overall experience.
How to Serve Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for fresh rosemary sprigs because their piney, woodsy scent pairs beautifully with the spices and adds elegant color. You might also try a thin orange wheel or a thin pear slice speared on a cocktail stick for something a little festive and fun.
Side Dishes
This mocktail shines with light fall-inspired bites—think spiced nuts, aged cheeses, or rosemary focaccia. It’s also fantastic alongside comforting desserts like apple crisp or cinnamon-dusted donuts for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday celebrations, I’ve served this mocktail in clear mason jars with cinnamon stick stirrers and tiny wreaths made from fresh rosemary tied around the rims. It instantly feels festive and invites guests to linger over their drinks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store the roasted pear and orange base in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. When ready, stir it before pouring into glasses and topping with fresh ginger beer. This saves tons of time if you want to prep ahead.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the blended mocktail base, as the texture can change once thawed. For best results, keep it refrigerated and fresh. If you want to freeze, do so in ice cube trays for small portions and thaw gently.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm version, gently heat the spiced pear mixture on the stove until warm but not boiling. Then pour into mugs and top with a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water for fizz—just add the bubbles after warming.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute ginger beer with sparkling water or club soda for bubbles without the ginger flavor. Keep in mind this will make the drink less spicy and slightly milder, but still delicious and refreshing.
D’Anjou pears are great because they hold their shape well and have a balanced sweetness. Bartlett pears are softer and more floral, which can work but might turn mushy during roasting. Firm pears like Bosc are also a good choice if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Yes! This mocktail has no alcohol, and the warm spices combined with fruity flavors make it perfect for all ages. Just be mindful if your ginger beer contains added sugars or caffeine; opting for a kid-friendly brand is best.
If your pears are extra ripe and sweet, reduce the maple syrup amounts gradually. Taste as you go—sometimes the natural pear sweetness is enough to keep the drink balanced without added syrup. You can always add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is a cozy little ritual for me whenever I want a drink that’s comforting but still fresh and lively. It’s simple yet feels festive—perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings when you want to offer something special without alcohol. I really hope you give it a try because it’s one of those recipes that just makes you smile 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
A cozy and refreshing Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail that combines sweet pears, bright citrus, and warm spices with a splash of ginger beer. Perfectly sweetened with pure maple syrup and garnished with rosemary for a festive touch. This vegan, alcohol-free drink is ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Spiced Pear Citrus Base
- 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
Fresh Citrus and Sweetener
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Topping and Garnish
- Ginger beer, for topping
- Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pears and orange with skin on, stirring occasionally to soften the fruit for about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Sweetener: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, then pour in the pure maple syrup. Stir to combine and coat the fruit mixture with the spices evenly.
- Simmer with Water: Pour in the 2 cups of filtered water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until flavors meld and fruit softens further.
- Strain the Mixture: Remove the pan from heat and carefully strain the liquid into a container, pressing lightly on the fruit to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- Add Fresh Citrus and Sweetness: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon into the strained liquid. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.
- Chill the Base: Allow the spiced pear citrus mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Assemble the Mocktail: Pour the chilled spiced pear citrus base into serving glasses, filling about two-thirds full. Top each glass with ginger beer to add fizz and a refreshing finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish each mocktail with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic and visual touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm spices paired with the citrus and maple sweetness.
Notes
- For an alcoholic version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum instead of ginger beer.
- The olive oil adds a subtle richness, but you can substitute with a neutral oil if preferred.
- Use fresh oranges for the best citrus flavor and aroma.
- The mocktail keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; add ginger beer just before serving to maintain fizz.
- Adjust maple syrup amounts to taste for desired sweetness.
- Rosemary sprigs not only garnish but also impart a lovely herbal aroma; fresh is best.
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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