Spiced pear mocktail in a stemless glass with a pear slice, cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig, whole pears beside it
The finished spiced pear mocktail, topped with sparkling water just before serving.

A spiced pear mocktail is fresh pear mashed with lemon, maple syrup, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla, then topped with sparkling water and ice. It tastes like fall in a glass, and it takes about five minutes. Serve it with a cinnamon sugar rim for a cozy autumn table, or scale it up for a crowd. If you love the apple side of the season too, try our mulled apple cider or the frosty apple cider slushie next.

Why Fresh Pear Works

Whole and sliced pears on a wooden board beside a glass with a wooden muddler, cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger
Fresh pears ready to muddle, with the spices set out.

Fresh pear gives you texture and a cleaner sweetness than most bottled pear juices. When you mash ripe pear in the glass, you release natural sugar and a little pulp, and that gives the drink some body. Bartlett and Anjou pears both work because they’re soft enough to break down easily.

Underripe pears won’t mash properly and taste grainy. Overripe pears turn to mush and cloud the drink. You want fruit that gives slightly under your thumb but still feels firm near the stem. If your pears are too hard, leave them on the counter for a couple of days.

The Spice and the Sweetener

Glass jar with cinnamon sticks, star anise and cubed ginger, a wooden muddler resting inside
Cinnamon is the main spice here, so a little goes a long way.

Cinnamon is the star, and only a dash goes in. Too much turns the drink into liquid cinnamon candy, so start light and add a pinch more if you want it. The splash of vanilla rounds out the spice.

Maple syrup adds a caramel note that suits pear. It dissolves easily in cold liquid, so there’s no need to heat anything. The lemon juice is not optional. Without it the drink tastes flat and too sweet, and the bright sharpness is what makes the pear taste like pear. Squeeze a real lemon if you can.

For the fizz, plain sparkling water keeps things light. Ginger ale makes it sweeter and adds a gentle ginger note, which is lovely in cold weather.

Spiced Pear Cinnamon Mocktail

Makes: 1 drink | Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons pear, peeled and cut into small chunks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • A dash of cinnamon
  • A splash of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Ice
  • Cinnamon sugar for the rim (optional)
  • Rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick or pear slice, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mash the pear chunks in a cup with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
  2. Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, then stir or shake until combined.
  3. If you like, moisten the rim of the glass with lemon and dip it in cinnamon sugar.
  4. Pour the mixture into the glass, or strain it for a smoother drink. Add ice, top with the sparkling water or ginger ale, and garnish.
Spiced pear mocktail on ice with a cinnamon stick, a pitcher of the same drink behind it
One glass or a whole pitcher, both start with the same pear base.

Make a Batch for a Party

This version makes about 6 to 7 drinks.

  • 3/4 cup pear, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 8 to 9 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Cinnamon sugar and garnishes, optional

Mash the pear in a pitcher, stir in the lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon, and keep that base in the fridge. Add the sparkling water or ginger ale and ice at the last moment so the pitcher stays fizzy. For a self-serve table, put the pear base in a dispenser and set bottles of sparkling water beside it, so guests can top off their own glasses. For more ideas, see our batch mocktail recipes for large gatherings and eight fall mocktails for cozy nights .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pear juice instead of fresh pear?

You can, but the drink changes. Fresh pear gives body and a lighter sweetness. If you use bottled juice, choose one labeled 100% pear juice with no added sweeteners, and skip the extra maple syrup until you’ve tasted it.

Should I use sparkling water or ginger ale?

Either works. Sparkling water keeps the drink light and lets the pear and cinnamon come through. Ginger ale makes it sweeter and a little spicy.

Can I make it ahead?

Mash the pear with the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Add the sparkling water and ice just before serving so it stays bubbly.

Can I add a rim?

Yes. Moisten the rim with lemon, then dip it in cinnamon sugar. Do it right before serving so the sugar doesn’t melt.

Conclusion

A spiced pear mocktail is easy, cozy and a little fancy. Mash the pear, stir in the lemon, maple, cinnamon and vanilla, and top it with bubbles. Make it by the glass or by the pitcher, and it fits any fall table.