Nothing quite says cozy like a warm, spiced drink – and this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe hits all those comforting notes with a bright citrus twist. It’s sweet, subtly spiced, and just bubbly enough to make it feel like a treat without any alcohol involved.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Every time I make this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe, I’m reminded how effortlessly it wakes up the senses. It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about enjoying a moment—a warm hug in a glass, really. I love that it’s visually stunning and super inviting for guests or a relaxing solo moment.
- Seasonal Flavors: The blend of pear, citrus, and warm spices captures the essence of cozy autumn and winter evenings.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip it up quickly without fuss.
- Versatile & Alcohol-Free: Perfect for everyone, and easy to elevate with a spirited addition if you want to.
- Beautiful Presentation: The slices of pear and orange with a rosemary sprig make it a delightful centerpiece drink.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This mocktail stands out because each ingredient brings a unique layer: fruity sweetness, a touch of spice, and zesty brightness. I always recommend fresh, ripe pears and oranges to really let their natural flavors shine through.
- D’Anjou Pears: Their firmness holds up nicely, and the natural juices complement the spices perfectly.
- Orange: Using slices with skin adds a lovely citrus aroma and texture, plus fresh orange juice boosts brightness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and smooth mouthfeel, a surprising but wonderful addition.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is your sweetener and flavor star – its deep notes pair beautifully with the spices.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: These warm spices add comforting depth without overpowering the fruit.
- Filtered Water: Keeps the mocktail light and refreshing, balancing the syrup’s sweetness.
- Ginger Beer: Used as a topping, it adds effervescence and a gentle bite, perfect for finishing touch.
- Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): I love this herb for garnish—the piney aroma adds a beautiful contrast and holiday feel.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can dial up the spice, swap out ginger beer for sparkling water, or even sneak in a little fresh ginger juice for an extra kick!
- Variation: Adding a splash of bourbon or spiced rum turns this into an elegant cocktail for special nights. I’ve done this for holiday parties, and everyone loved the warm notes enhanced with alcohol.
- Dietary tweak: If you’re avoiding added sugars, try reducing the maple syrup by half and adding a touch of mashed ripe pear for natural sweetness.
- Seasonal change: Swap pear for apple cider in fall, or add cranberry juice for a festive red hue during winter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Pears and Citrus
Start by slicing your D’Anjou pears and one orange, skin and all—that peel adds essential oils and depth. Drizzle the slices with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and pour over ¼ cup pure maple syrup. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This caramelizes the fruit, making the flavors richer and perfectly cozy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—just a nice golden brown is what you want.
Step 2: Mix the Base Mocktail
While the fruit roasts, squeeze the juice of a second orange into your pitcher. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir in 2 cups of filtered water to keep things light and refreshing. This is your mocktail’s flavor base—bright, sweet, and just a touch spicy.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Once the roasted pears and citrus are cool enough to handle, add them (and their delicious juices) to the pitcher. Give everything a gentle stir to marry the flavors. Pop the pitcher into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill and meld.
Step 4: Serve with Ginger Beer and Garnish
When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses about three-quarters full with the pear-citrus mixture, then top off with a splash of ginger beer for some fizz and spice. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of pear or orange for that inviting presentation.
Top Tip
I’ve found a few key tricks really make the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe shine, and I’m excited to pass them on so you can enjoy each sip as much as I do.
- Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored syrup. The deep, natural flavors will elevate the whole drink.
- Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting the pears and citrus adds complexity and avoids any raw, harsh notes from the peel.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chill the mocktail well before adding ginger beer—this keeps the bubbles from fizzing away too fast.
- Garnish Last: Add rosemary and fresh fruit slices right before serving to keep them fresh and aromatic.
How to Serve Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for fresh rosemary sprigs and thin slices of pear or orange right on top. The rosemary adds that piney aromatic note that complements the spices, and the fruit slices look so inviting. You can even lightly dust the rim of the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and style.
Side Dishes
One of my favorite pairings is a plate of spiced nuts or a light cheese board featuring creamy brie and walnuts. The mocktail’s sweetness balances rich, savory bites beautifully. For non-cheese lovers, try it with gingerbread cookies or apple cinnamon muffins for the ultimate cozy spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or gatherings, I love serving this mocktail in clear glass mugs with cinnamon sticks for stirring, or layered in mason jars with a sprig of rosemary tucked inside the glass. It feels both festive and rustic — total crowd pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep any leftover base mixture (before adding ginger beer) in the fridge tightly covered. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid adding ginger beer until serving time to preserve the fizz.
Freezing
Since the mocktail relies on fresh citrus and bubbles, freezing isn’t ideal. The texture and fizz won’t survive thawing well. So, I don’t recommend freezing; it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you want a warm version, gently warm the base mixture on the stove—don’t boil! Add your maple syrup and spices again if needed to freshen. Top with a splash of hot water or ginger tea instead of ginger beer for cozy winter sipping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Bartlett or Bosc pears also work well, though D’Anjou has the best texture for roasting without becoming mushy. Just make sure your pears are ripe but firm.
Yes, prepare the base mixture with roasted fruit up to a day before and refrigerate. Add ginger beer and garnish just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and garnish crisp.
Definitely! It’s completely alcohol-free and has a balanced sweetness with natural fruit, so kids can enjoy it as a festive, flavorful drink.
You can, but maple syrup has a unique flavor that really complements the spices and fruit. Agave is closer in sweetness and consistency; honey will work but adds a different floral note.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is one of those rare finds that manages to be both comforting and refreshing, without the fuss of complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I love sharing it with friends because it sparks that cozy, happy feeling instantly. Give it a try on your next chilly day—you might just find your new favorite go-to mocktail to warm both body and soul.
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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 is a cozy, refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. Combining sweet and tangy pear, fresh citrus, and pure maple syrup with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, it delivers a comforting and flavorful experience. Topped with ginger beer and optionally garnished with rosemary, this vegan mocktail offers a delightful balance of flavors that feels like a warm hug in a glass.
Ingredients
Pear Spice Blend
- 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
Citrus Maple Mixture
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
To Serve
- Ginger beer, for topping
- Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pear spice blend: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced pears, sliced orange with skin on, extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and filtered water. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and the flavors are well blended.
- Prepare citrus maple mixture: While the pear mixture simmers, squeeze the fresh orange juice and mix it with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Strain and cool: After simmering, strain the pear spice blend through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard solids or save for another use. Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.
- Combine and chill: Mix the cooled pear spice liquid with the prepared citrus maple mixture. Refrigerate the combined mocktail base until well chilled, about 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor.
- Serve the mocktail: Fill glasses halfway with the chilled mocktail mixture. Top each with ginger beer to add a fizzy, spicy kick. Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.
Notes
- This mocktail can be served warm or chilled depending on preference. Chilling enhances the refreshing aspect, while warming it slightly creates a cozy drink.
- For an alcoholic version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to taste.
- Use fresh pears and citrus for the best flavor; canned or frozen fruit will alter the taste.
- The olive oil adds a subtle richness; it can be omitted for a lighter drink.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount to your desired sweetness.
- Rosemary sprigs are optional but add a lovely herbal aroma that complements the spices well.
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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