This Vanilla Pear Mocktail is a sweet and refreshing drink that’s perfect for autumn! Made with juicy pears and a hint of vanilla, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
It’s so easy to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, pour over ice, and enjoy while wrapped in your favorite blanket. Trust me, you’ll want a second glass! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pear: Bartlett and Bosc pears are my go-to options because they’re juicy and sweet. If you can’t find them, feel free to use Anjou or conference pears which will also work nicely!
Pear Juice: I opt for 100% pure pear juice for the best flavor, but if you want a lighter option, apple juice can also work. Just watch for added sugars in store-bought versions.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor. However, if you need a substitute, try a drop of almond extract for a different twist. Just be careful, it’s stronger!
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup make great sweeteners. If vegan, choose maple syrup or agave nectar. You can adjust the amount based on your taste—start small and add more if needed!
Fresh Thyme: If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, rosemary can provide a similar aromatic touch. Dried thyme can also be used, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make the Perfect Pear Puree?
Making pear puree is simple and can really enhance the flavor of your mocktail! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Choose ripe pears for the sweetest and smoothest puree. A slightly firm texture is okay but avoid ones that are overly soft.
- Peel and core the pear first to remove any undesirable textures. Chop it into chunks before blending.
- Blend the pear chunks until completely smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse just a few times.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of pear juice while blending.
Making this puree fresh really elevates your drink, and leftover puree can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, perfect for future mocktails!
Vanilla Pear Mocktail for Cozy Autumn Sipping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mocktail Base:
- 1 large ripe pear (Bartlett or Bosc)
- 1 cup pear juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
For Serving:
- Sparkling water or club soda (about 1 cup)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Pear slices (for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Vanilla Pear Mocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need an additional couple of minutes for garnishing, making it a quick and easy drink to whip up for any cozy autumn gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pear Puree:
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the ripe pear into small chunks. Place these chunks into a blender and blend until smooth to create a fresh pear puree. This process gives the drink a lovely, rich flavor!
2. Mix the Mocktail Base:
In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the freshly made pear puree, pear juice, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir or shake well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly, and the sweetener has dissolved completely.
3. Assemble the Drinks:
Fill two short glasses with ice cubes for a chilled experience. Carefully divide the pear mixture evenly between the glasses, ensuring each glass gets the same amount of deliciousness.
4. Add Fizz and Garnish:
Top each glass with sparkling water or club soda to your preference, gently stirring to combine. For a beautiful finish, garnish each drink with a thin slice of pear, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of fresh thyme. If you want an aromatic touch, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon over the top.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mocktail immediately while it’s fizzy and refreshing. Sip and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors as you embrace the cozy vibes of autumn!
This drink perfectly balances the natural sweetness of pears with warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon, making it an ideal choice for enjoying on a crisp fall day. Cheers!
Can I Use Canned Pears Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pears, but make sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sweetener, as canned pears are often packed with syrup. Blend them to a smooth puree and adjust the flavor as needed!
How to Store Leftover Mocktail?
It’s best to enjoy this mocktail fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the non-sparkling portion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just add fresh sparkling water to revive that fizz!
Can I Make This Mocktail Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To turn this mocktail into a cocktail, add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum to the mixture before adding sparkling water. It will give the drink an extra kick for adult gatherings!
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Other fruits like apples or peaches can be substituted for pears. Just smooth them into a puree and follow the same instructions for blending flavors, adjusting the sweetener as needed for different fruits.
