Pear Collins

Some drinks feel made for calm afternoons with friends, and the Pear Collins is one of them. It has a clean pear flavor, a soft herbal note from fresh thyme, and a fizzy finish that remains refreshing from the first sip to the last. I made my first one during a slow weekend at home when I wanted something easy that still felt a bit special. The mix of pear puree and gin gave it a smooth taste that worked exceptionally well for day drinking, making it quickly a go-to for relaxed gatherings.

This holiday cocktail fits many moments. It works for brunch, early fall get-togethers, or any time you want something bright but straightforward. The pear gives it a gentle sweetness without feeling heavy, and the club soda keeps it light. If you enjoy easy spritz recipe drinks or anything with fresh fruit notes, this one fits right into your rotation.

What I enjoy most about the Pear Collins is how quick it is. You shake the base, top it with bubbles, and you’re done. No long prep, no tricky steps. Just a clean, smooth drink you can make for yourself or share with guests. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels relaxed and friendly, which makes it perfect for slower days.

Why You’ll Love This

The Pear Collins has a simple charm that works for many tastes. It’s crisp, lightly sweet, and easy to build. Since the drink stays refreshing, it works well for daytime hosting or small holiday gatherings. I love it because it feels polished without asking for much effort.

Here’s what sets it apart

• Light and refreshing with a gentle pear flavor
• Quick to mix with only a few ingredients
• Works for brunch, picnics, or cozy fall afternoons
• Looks pretty with a simple thyme garnish
• Easy to adjust to your sweetness level

Once you try it, you may find yourself making it for casual hangouts because it never feels too strong or too sweet.

Ingredients

This cocktail features a concise list of ingredients, but each plays a crucial role. The gin provides a classic base, the pear puree adds a fresh taste, and the club soda keeps it bright. The thyme adds a soft herbal scent without overpowering the drink.

You will need

• 2 oz gin
• 2 oz pear puree
• club soda top
• fresh thyme for garnish

Gin gives the drink structure, so pick one that tastes clean. The pear puree is the heart of the cocktail, so choose a puree made from ripe, smooth-textured pears. Fresh thyme adds aroma that pairs nicely with pear. Club soda adds a fizzy lift to the drink.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Since the Pear Collins is simple, the gin you choose shapes the flavor. A clean gin lets the pear’s flavor shine through. If you prefer something softer, you can adjust the spirit or puree.

Good options for this drink

• Beefeater Gin, crisp and steady for mixed drinks
• Tanqueray Gin, bright and smooth
• Hendrick’s Gin, a bit more floral but still steady with pear
• Pear liqueur, if you want a more pungent pear taste
• Vodka, for a milder version if gin feels too strong

If fresh pear puree is hard to find, you can use canned pear puree or mash soft, ripe pears and strain the puree. Just avoid anything too sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

This recipe keeps things simple so that you won’t need a long list of tools. A shaker chills the base, and a highball glass provides enough room for bubbles and ice.

Helpful items

• Cocktail Shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger
• Highball Glass

A highball works best because it allows the club soda to be poured without crowding the ice.

How to Make It

The Pear Collins comes together fast. You shake the base, strain it into a glass, and finish it with club soda. It’s simple enough for beginners but still feels like something you’d order at a bar.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin and pear puree.
3. Shake until cold.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Some people add a bit of lemon juice to brighten the drink, but the pear already keeps it crisp.

Pro Tips

Small choices can make the Pear Collins smoother and more refreshing. These ideas help the drink stay balanced and clean.

Try these

• Use chilled club soda so the drink stays cold
• Pick a pear puree with a smooth texture
• Shake longer for a softer finish
• Add a tiny bit of simple syrup if you prefer sweeter drinks
• Use large ice cubes to slow melting
• Keep the glass cold for a cleaner first sip
• Trim the thyme so it sits neatly on the rim
• Taste before topping to adjust sweetness

Feel free to make minor adjustments until the drink suits your taste.

Variations

The Pear Collins is easy to customize. You can change the flavor with citrus, herbs, or different spirits. If you enjoy experimenting, this drink gives you a good base to start from.

Ideas to try

• Add lemon juice for a brighter taste
• Use vodka instead of gin for a softer drink
• Add rosemary instead of thyme
• Use sparkling water with a pear flavor
• Make a no alcohol version with non alcohol gin

Each version keeps the pear at the center while shifting the drink’s tone.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail is perfect for brunch, fall gatherings, or any other relaxed daytime event. Since the flavor stays light, it pairs well with snacks and simple dishes.

Serve it during

• Fall brunch
• Afternoon gatherings
• Garden parties
• Light holiday lunches
• Weekend day drinking

Pair it with

• Soft cheeses
• Herb crackers
• Fresh fruit plates
• Chicken salad
• Light pastries

For more ideas, try drinks like Spiced Pear Martini, Holiday Sangria, or Apple Cider Mimosa.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Pear Collins tastes best fresh. The bubbles fade if it sits too long. You can prep the gin-and-pear mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When guests arrive, shake it with ice and top with club soda.

If you want to serve a group, mix a large batch of the base liquid, keep it cold, and pour individual servings over ice.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask about the Pear Collins.

Is this drink sweet?
It has a light sweetness from the pear. For a sweeter taste, add a touch of simple syrup.

Can I use fresh pears instead of puree?
Yes. Mash and strain ripe pears until smooth.

What gin works best?
A clean gin with steady botanicals keeps the drink balanced.

Can I make it without alcohol?
Use non alcohol gin and top with club soda. It stays refreshing.

Why use thyme?
Thyme adds a slight herbal scent that pairs well with pear.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy clean fruit flavors or light holiday cocktails, here are a few drinks that share a similar feel.

• Spiced Pear Martini: crisp pear with warm spice
• Pear Moscow Mule: pear and ginger with a superb finish
• Holiday Sangria: a tart fruit punch with a fall feel
• Apple Cider Mimosa: a soft cider and bubbly mix
• Pear Vanilla Gin Spritz: smooth fruit and spice