I’ve always loved the cozy, floral warmth of cardamom paired with the gentle sweetness of pears. There’s something so naturally elegant about that combination — soft, fragrant, and just a little unexpected.
Every fall I cross my fingers that the pear trees I have in giant pots in my driveway will finally produce more than a hopeful leaf or two (still waiting!), but thankfully, ripe pears are easy to find at the market, especially in the autumn months.
Cardamom, on the other hand, is my cold-weather favorite. Those little green pods might look humble, but the aroma that fills the air when you crack them open? Instantly comforting. You can usually find them at your local grocery store or spice shop; if not, ordering a bag online is definitely worth it.
The Cardamom Pear Martini brings the bright freshness of pear, the warmth of cardamom, and a hint of lemon that ties it all together.
Cardamom Pear Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (plain, unflavored)
- 1 oz pear purée (fresh or high-quality store-bought)
- 0.75-1 oz cardamom simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
Garnish Options
- Pear fan (thinly sliced pear arranged in a fan shape)
- Star anise
- Edible flower such as a pansy
Glass
Chilled martini glass
Instructions
- Add the vodka, pear purée, cardamom simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass (use a fine mesh strainer to catch any pear pulp for a smooth texture).
- Garnish with a pear fan, star anise, or an edible flower.
Quick Notes & Tips
IMPORTANT – On the vodka: Use plain, unflavored vodka for this cocktail. Do NOT use pear vodka, as it will overpower the cardamom. You want the vodka to provide a clean base that lets the pear and cardamom shine together.
On the pear purée: For the freshest flavor, make your own by peeling and coring a ripe pear, then blending it until smooth. Strain if desired for a silkier texture. Bartlett or Anjou pears work best. If using store-bought, look for pure pear purée without added sugar.
On the syrup: Start with 0.75 oz of cardamom syrup if you want the pear to be more prominent, or go up to 1 oz for a bolder cardamom presence.
On the garnish: A pear fan not only looks stunning but also reinforces the pear flavor. Star anise adds a visual pop and complements cardamom’s warm spice notes. An edible flower like a pansy brings elegance and color.
Add a Brown Sugar Twist
For an even more decadent version, use brown sugar-infused vodka instead of plain vodka. The caramel notes from the brown sugar add warmth and depth that pair great with both cardamom and pear, creating an almost dessert-like sip while still maintaining the cocktail’s elegance.
To make brown sugar vodka, combine 1 cup vodka with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, shake until dissolved, and let sit for 24 hours before straining.
Cardamom Pear Sparkler (Mocktail Version)
Replace the vodka with 2oz of pear nectar and 1oz of tonic water.
Combine the pear nectar, 1 oz pear purée, 0.75oz cardamom simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass, and top with the tonic water. Garnish the same way. You’ll get all the sophisticated flavors with a light, refreshing effervescence.
Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary drinks. The cardamom brings warmth and intrigue, the pear adds natural sweetness and elegance, and the lemon keeps everything bright and balanced.
It’s a show-stopper that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
The aroma alone—warm cardamom mingling with fresh pear—is enough to make this drink memorable (and I really want to make a candle that captures that scent). Whether you’re a martini purist looking for something new or someone who loves experimenting with flavors, this cocktail delivers sophistication in every sip.
