This Pear Apple Cider Sparkler tastes like the best parts of fall with a bright, bubbly twist. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home. You get the cozy flavor of apple cider, the soft floral notes of pear, and a lift of sparkle that makes every sip feel special.
It comes together fast, looks beautiful in a glass, and can be made with or without alcohol. Keep this one in your back pocket for holidays, brunch, or any time you want something easy and impressive.
Pear Apple Cider Sparkler - A Crisp, Festive Sip
Instructions
- Chill everything well. Cold cider and sparkling liquid keep the drink crisp and fizzy. Pop your glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes if you can.
- Prep the garnishes. Thinly slice a pear and an apple. If you like, rub a lemon slice over the cut fruit to prevent browning.
- Mix the base. In a pitcher, combine 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup pear juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Taste. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey.
- Add alcohol (optional). For a cocktail, stir in 1/2–3/4 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or pear brandy. Start small; you can always add more.
- Top with bubbles just before serving. Pour in 2 cups club soda, ginger beer, or prosecco. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
- Assemble the glasses. Add ice to each glass, tuck in a pear slice, and pour the sparkler over the top.
- Finish with aromatics. Add a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of rosemary or thyme. For a holiday look, float a single star anise.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy while it’s cold and bubbly.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Balanced flavor: Pear brings a mellow sweetness, while apple cider adds warmth and a hint of spice. The bubbles keep it bright, not heavy.
- Fast and simple: No cooking, no syrups, no fuss.
You just chill, mix, and pour.
- Flexible: Make it a mocktail or cocktail. Use sparkling water, ginger beer, or prosecco depending on the vibe.
- Seasonal and fresh: It’s a great way to use ripe pears and good-quality cider, especially in fall and winter.
- Company-worthy presentation: Thin pear slices, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of thyme or rosemary make it look like a craft cocktail.
What You’ll Need
- Chilled apple cider: Unfiltered if possible for richer flavor. Avoid apple juice if you can—it’s sweeter and flatter.
- Pear juice or nectar: Look for 100% pear juice.
If using pear nectar, reduce the amount slightly to balance sweetness.
- Sparkling component: Choose from club soda, sparkling water, ginger beer (for extra spice), or dry prosecco for a cocktail.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the drink and keep flavors crisp.
- Optional spirit: Bourbon, spiced rum, or pear brandy all work beautifully.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional): For a touch of sweetness if your cider is especially tart.
- Ice: Large cubes or a single big cube to slow dilution.
- Garnishes: Thin pear slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves (sparingly), star anise, or a fresh rosemary/thyme sprig.
Instructions
- Chill everything well. Cold cider and sparkling liquid keep the drink crisp and fizzy. Pop your glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes if you can.
- Prep the garnishes. Thinly slice a pear and an apple. If you like, rub a lemon slice over the cut fruit to prevent browning.
- Mix the base. In a pitcher, combine 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup pear juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Taste. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey.
- Add alcohol (optional). For a cocktail, stir in 1/2–3/4 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or pear brandy. Start small; you can always add more.
- Top with bubbles just before serving. Pour in 2 cups club soda, ginger beer, or prosecco.
Stir gently to keep the fizz.
- Assemble the glasses. Add ice to each glass, tuck in a pear slice, and pour the sparkler over the top.
- Finish with aromatics. Add a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of rosemary or thyme. For a holiday look, float a single star anise.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy while it’s cold and bubbly.
Storage Instructions
Store the cider-pear base (without bubbles or alcohol) in an airtight jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add sparkling water, ginger beer, or prosecco only when you’re ready to serve, so it doesn’t go flat.
If you’ve already added alcohol, it will keep the same 3 days, but stir before serving as flavors can separate. Avoid storing with ice or fresh herbs in the pitcher to prevent dilution and bitterness. Garnishes are best added to each glass right before pouring.
Health Benefits
- Antioxidants from apples and pears: Both fruits offer polyphenols that may support heart health and reduce oxidative stress.
- Hydration with flavor: Using sparkling water keeps it refreshing without heavy sugar.
It’s a good swap for sodas.
- Vitamin C boost: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a small dose of vitamin C.
- Customizable sweetness: You control the sweetener. Skip it or use a light touch to keep sugars moderate.
- Alcohol-optional: Make it a mocktail for an easy, festive drink that still feels special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm ingredients: If the base isn’t cold, the ice melts faster and the drink loses its sparkle. Chill everything first.
- Over-sweetening: Many ciders and pear nectars are already sweet.
Taste before adding maple syrup or honey.
- Adding bubbles too early: Mix the cider and pear base ahead, but add the sparkling component right before serving to preserve carbonation.
- Heavy-handed spices: Whole spices look pretty but can turn bitter if they sit too long. Use them as garnish, not simmered in the drink.
- Using apple juice instead of cider: Juice is thinner and sweeter. If that’s all you have, cut the sweetener and add a pinch of cinnamon for depth.
Recipe Variations
- Ginger Pear Sparkler: Swap club soda for ginger beer and add a few thin slices of fresh ginger to the pitcher.
- Rosemary Citrus Twist: Add a strip of orange zest to the base and use a rosemary sprig for garnish.
Prosecco works well here.
- Spiced Chai Version: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of strong, unsweetened chai concentrate into the base for a cozy, spiced vibe.
- Vanilla Maple: Add 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and sweeten with maple syrup. Great with bourbon.
- Low-Sugar Mocktail: Use unsweetened pear juice if available, skip extra sweetener, and top with plain sparkling water.
- Frozen Slush: Freeze the base in ice cube trays. Blend the cubes with a splash of sparkling water until slushy.
- Herbal Pear: Muddle a few thyme leaves in the glass before pouring to add a light herbal note without bitterness.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes, mix the cider, pear juice, and lemon juice up to a day in advance and keep it chilled.
Add the sparkling component and ice just before guests arrive. Set out garnishes so everyone can customize their glass.
What alcohol pairs best?
Bourbon adds caramel notes that play nicely with cider, spiced rum boosts the cozy spices, and pear brandy highlights the fruit. If you prefer lighter drinks, a dry prosecco or cava keeps it crisp without overpowering the fruit.
How do I keep the drink from getting watered down?
Chill the base thoroughly and use large ice cubes that melt slowly.
You can also freeze a little of the cider-pear base in cubes and use those instead of plain ice.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened pear juice and skip any added sweetener. Choose club soda instead of ginger beer or prosecco, and add an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Can I use sparkling apple cider instead of plain cider plus bubbles?
Yes, but skip the additional sparkling component to avoid over-carbonation and too much sweetness. Mix sparkling cider with pear juice and lemon, then taste and adjust.
What if I can’t find pear juice?
Blend a ripe pear with a splash of water, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
It adds fresh flavor and a silky texture that works beautifully here.
How many servings does this make?
As written, the pitcher makes about 4–6 drinks, depending on glass size and how much ice you use. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd.
In Conclusion
The Pear Apple Cider Sparkler is simple, festive, and endlessly customizable. With just a few ingredients and a handful of garnishes, you can pour something that tastes seasonal and looks stunning.
Keep the base chilled, add bubbles at the last minute, and let the fresh fruit do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re toasting at brunch or easing into a cozy evening, this sparkler fits the moment perfectly.
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