I’ve been playing with candied pears and all things pear cocktails and mocktails lately, and the spiced pear cooler is just what I needed after testing out so many recipes.
Pear juice brings a soft, mellow sweetness, while ginger and cinnamon syrups add warmth and a little kick. Top it with soda water, and you’ve got a crisp, sparkling cooler perfect for anytime of year, especially in autumn and winter when pears are easy to find at the shops.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a mocktail?
The Twist
If you want a brighter, more refreshing version, add a squeeze of lime. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a splash of citrus that pairs well with the cinnamon and ginger.
Mocktail Version
This drink is already a mocktail!
Nothing to change—just build and enjoy.
If you want a slightly fancier non-alcoholic option, try topping it with:
- Sparkling pear cider
- Non-alcoholic ginger beer
- Sparkling water flavored with pear or citrus
Home Bar Tips
Use fresh pear juice if you can.
It tastes cleaner and brighter than bottled. But bottled pear nectar works too—just expect a slightly sweeter cocktail.
Don’t overshake.
You only want to chill—not dilute—the base. A quick 5–7 second shake is perfect.
Chill your soda water.
Cold soda keeps the bubbles strong.
Cinnamon syrup strength varies.
Homemade syrups tend to be softer; store-bought ones can be bold. Start with 0.5 oz and adjust next time depending on your spice preference.
Top gently.
Adding soda slowly preserves carbonation and keeps the drink lively.
What If I Don’t Have…?
No pear juice?
Try:
- Apple juice (crisper and a little sweeter)
- White grape juice (bright and floral)
- Pear baby food thinned with water (yes, baby food. It works.)
No ginger syrup?
Use:
- Honey syrup + grated fresh ginger
- Ginger beer as your topper
- Simple syrup + a pinch of ground ginger
No cinnamon syrup?
Sub:
- Maple syrup + tiny pinch of cinnamon
- Vanilla syrup
- Chai concentrate (adds warm spice depth)
No soda water?
Sparkling water works, just avoid tonic water—it’s too bitter for this drink.
Troubleshooting
“It’s too sweet.”
- Add a splash of lime juice
- Use less cinnamon syrup
- Increase soda water
“It’s too spicy.”
- Reduce ginger syrup
- Swap cinnamon syrup for simple syrup
“It tastes flat.”
- Make sure your soda water is freshly opened
- Add more ice (cold = better bubbles)
“The pear flavor is too mild.”
- Use pear nectar instead of juice
- Add more pear juice next time
Spiced Pear Cooler Recipe
Glass: Tall glass or spritz glass
Ice: Fill to the top
Ingredients
- 2 oz pear juice
- 0.5 oz ginger syrup
- 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
- Soda water to top
- Ice
Garnish: Pear slice, candied pear, cinnamon stick, or thin lime wheel
Instructions
- Add pear juice, ginger syrup, and cinnamon syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake briefly to chill.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish as you like.
Spiced Pear Cooler Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz pear juice
- 0.5 oz ginger syrup
- 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
- Soda water to top
Instructions
- Add pear juice, ginger syrup, and cinnamon syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake briefly to chill.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish as you like.
