Here’s the thing about most mocktails—they’re either trying way too hard to be “just like the real thing” or they’re basically fancy lemonade. The Maple Pear Fizz easily stands on its own, though. This drink doesn’t apologize for being alcohol-free because it doesn’t need to; it’s that good.
The combination of sweet pear, earthy maple, and herbal rosemary creates something genuinely interesting and delicious that not only you will enjoy, but your kids can too if they want to sip something a little special.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the drink to order when you’re not drinking but you still want something that feels special.
Pear juice has this gentle, almost honeyed sweetness that pairs naturally with maple syrup’s deep, woody notes. The lemon juice prevents it from sliding into “too sweet”, while the tonic water adds that quinine bite (you can use soda water if you want it more refreshing). The rosemary sprig is not just for looks—the aromatics give every sip a bit of that herb essence.
Maple Pear Fizz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz pear juice or pear nectar
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz maple syrup (Grade A amber works great)
- Tonic or soda water to top
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine pear juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice
- Top with tonic water or soda water (about 2-3 oz) and stir gently
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig—give it a light slap between your hands first to release the aromatics
Pro Tips
- Use 100% pear juice, not pear nectar if you can find it—nectar is thicker and sweeter, so you might need to dial back the maple a bit
- Real maple syrup only—no pancake syrup imposters allowed here
- Fresh lemon juice is crucial for balance; bottled won’t cut it
- Slap that rosemary sprig before garnishing to wake up the oils and make your drink smell amazing
- If you find the drink too sweet, add an extra ½ oz of lemon juice or use less maple syrup next time
- Quality tonic water matters here—try Fever-Tree or Q Tonic for a cleaner, less sugary fizz
This is proof that mocktails can be just as thoughtful and delicious as their boozy counterparts. It’s cozy, it’s balanced, and it looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. No explanation needed.
Add a Twist to the Cocktail
Spiced Pear Fizz
Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters before shaking. The warming spices in the bitters (cinnamon, clove, cardamom) amplify the autumn vibes and add a subtle complexity that makes this taste even more sophisticated. Plus, bitters are technically non-alcoholic in these tiny amounts, so it stays mocktail-friendly.
Boozy Version – Bourbon Pear Maple Sour
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1.5 oz pear juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz maple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional, but recommended for that silky texture)
- Tonic water or soda water to top
Dry shake the bourbon, pear juice, lemon, maple, and egg white (if using) without ice for 10 seconds. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass. If you want to keep the fizz element, serve over ice in a highball and top with a splash of tonic. Garnish with a torched rosemary sprig for extra flair.
