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
Scale
Spiced Pear Citrus Base
- 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on)
- 1 orange, sliced (skin on)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp 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
