Easy Pear Cocktail
I’m a cocktail girl, but I’m truly a lightweight. One drink is my limit, so I want that one to count! When I’m hosting friends, I’m not an expert bartender by any means. That’s why I love seasonal drinks that feel light and refreshing and come with easy recipes to follow. If that’s the kind of cocktail you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.
This easy pear cocktail is made with vodka, sweet pear juice, fresh lemon, and a little honey. Then it’s shaken with fresh thyme and topped with soda water for a bubbly, cozy finish. It takes just 5 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients. It’s also one of my favorite fall cocktail recipes for Friendsgiving, date nights, and holiday parties. If you love pears too, try my Apple Cider Sangria with Pears.
Why You’ll Love This Pear Cocktail
- Ready in 5 minutes: Just shake, pour, and top with soda.
- Light and refreshing: The soda water keeps it bubbly instead of syrupy.
- Cozy fall flavor: Pear, honey, and thyme taste like fall in a glass.
- Easy to customize: Swap in bourbon, make a mocktail, or turn it into a pear martini.
Ingredients for This Pear Vodka Cocktail
- Vodka: A smooth, unflavored vodka lets the pear shine.
- Pear juice: Look for 100% pear juice for the cleanest flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: It brightens the drink and balances the sweetness.
- Honey syrup: This is honey thinned with warm water, so it mixes smoothly into a cold drink.
- Fresh thyme: It adds a soft, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with pear.
- Soda water: It adds bubbles and keeps the cocktail light.
- Fresh pear: You’ll need one thin slice for the garnish.
How to Make a Pear Cocktail
Step 1: Add the vodka and pear juice: Pour the vodka and pear juice into a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Shake and pour over ice: Add the lemon juice, honey syrup, and lightly bruised thyme. Next, fill the shaker with ice, shake until cold, and strain into a glass of fresh ice.
Step 3: Top and garnish: Finally, top with soda water and garnish with a thin pear slice and a sprig of thyme.
Tips for the Best Pear Cocktail
- Bruise the thyme gently: Clap it between your hands to release the oils. However, don’t crush it, or it can turn bitter.
- Make the honey syrup first: Straight honey clumps in cold liquid, so always thin it with warm water.
- Shake hard: About 15 seconds chills the drink and balances the flavor.
- Add the soda last: That way, your cocktail stays nice and bubbly.
Pear Cocktail Variations
- Pear bourbon cocktail: Swap the vodka for bourbon for a warmer drink that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Pear martini: Skip the soda, use 2 oz pear juice, and strain into a chilled martini glass without ice.
- Pear puree: Use 2 oz pear puree instead of pear juice for a thicker, velvety texture.
- Simple syrup: No honey? Use 1 oz simple syrup instead.
- Sparkling pear cocktail: Top with prosecco instead of soda for a festive holiday toast.
- Pear mocktail: Leave out the vodka, add 1 oz more pear juice, and top with sparkling water.
How to Make Ahead and Store
- For a crowd: Multiply everything except the soda and ice, then stir it together in a pitcher. When it’s time to serve, pour about 8 oz into each glass over ice and top with soda.
- Make ahead: Keep the cocktail base covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the soda only when serving.
- Honey syrup: Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Easy Pear Cocktail FAQs
Is this a pear martini or a Pear Collins?
This drink is a Pear Collins. A Collins is a spirit, lemon juice, and a sweetener topped with soda and served over ice. A martini, on the other hand, is served chilled without ice or soda. For a pear martini, follow the variation above.
What’s the best vodka for a pear cocktail?
A smooth, mid range vodka is all you need. For even more pear flavor, try pear vodka.
Can I use pear nectar instead of pear juice?
Yes. However, nectar is thicker and sweeter, so start with 1/2 oz honey syrup and add more to taste.
Can I use dried thyme?
Fresh thyme works best. Dried thyme doesn’t release much flavor in a cold drink, and it leaves flecks behind.
Can I make this pear cocktail without alcohol?
Yes! Simply leave out the vodka, add 1 oz more pear juice, and top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
Easy Pear Cocktail with Vodka and Thyme
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Make the honey syrup: Stir the honey and warm water together until the honey dissolves. Let it cool before using.
- Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with fresh ice so it chills while you mix.
- Bruise the thyme: Clap the thyme sprig between your palms to release the oils. Then add it to the shaker.
- Add the vodka and pear juice: Pour the vodka and pear juice into the shaker.
- Add the lemon and honey syrup: Pour in the lemon juice and 1 oz of the honey syrup.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain over ice: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over the fresh ice.
- Top with soda: Slowly top with soda water and give it one gentle stir.
- Garnish and serve: Add a thin pear slice and a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve right away.
Nutrition
Notes
- Honey syrup: This makes enough for about 4 cocktails.
- Pear nectar: If you use nectar instead of juice, start with 1/2 oz honey syrup.
- Make it a pear martini: Skip the soda, use 2 oz pear juice, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Make ahead: Mix everything except the soda up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
