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
Scale
Pear Spice Blend
- 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
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, 1/4 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
