Cinnamon Pear and Rum Cocktail

There’s something special about settling in on a cool evening with a drink that feels warm and comforting without actually being hot. That’s exactly what this cinnamon pear and rum cocktail brings to the table. It has the mellow sweetness of pear nectar, the depth of dark rum, and just enough cinnamon to make it feel right at home in any holiday cocktail lineup. If you’re looking for a Christmas recipe that’s easy, smooth, and full of seasonal flavor, this one checks all the boxes.

I first made a version of this cocktail on a night when a few friends stopped by unexpectedly. I didn’t have much on hand, but I did have pears, rum, and some cinnamon. We ended up leaning around my kitchen island, sipping these drinks and laughing about how “accidentally fancy” they felt. Since then, I’ve kept this recipe in my back pocket because it hits that sweet spot between simple and special.

What I love most is how well it fits different moments. It works for a small gathering, a holiday dinner, or even as a quiet treat for yourself when you need something comforting. It brings that seasonal mood without needing a long list of ingredients or complicated steps.

---

Why You’ll Love This

A cinnamon pear and rum cocktail is one of those drinks that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s a great holiday cocktail because it blends soft fruit notes with warm spice and smooth rum.

The ingredients work together without overpowering each other, so you end up with a balanced drink that feels thoughtful but takes very little effort.

Here are a few reasons it stands out:

• Quick to make with only a handful of ingredients.
• Warm spice flavor that fits winter gatherings or Christmas parties.
• Smooth fruit base from pear nectar that keeps it light and easy to sip.
• Looks elegant with simple pear garnish.
• Easy to adjust for sweetness or spice depending on your preference.

Altogether, it’s the kind of seasonal drink guests remember and often ask for again.

Ingredients

This cocktail shines because each ingredient pulls its weight. The dark rum brings depth, the pear keeps things soft, and the cinnamon adds that holiday flair without going over the top. When everything comes together, it tastes like a cozy night in a glass.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2.5 oz pear nectar
• 0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pear slices for garnish

Pear nectar works best because it’s thicker and sweeter than regular pear juice, giving the drink body. Dark rum adds caramel-like notes that pair well with fruit. The vanilla syrup softens everything and helps the cinnamon blend smoothly. And those pear slices? They look great in the glass and add a fresh aroma with every sip.

If your pear nectar is very sweet, you can reduce the syrup slightly. If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a pinch more.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need anything too fancy to make this cinnamon pear and rum cocktail shine. What matters most is picking a rum that tastes smooth and works well with fruit. If you can’t find a specific item, there are easy swaps that still keep the flavor balance right.

Some solid picks include:

• Myers’s Dark Rum: Rich, full-bodied, and great for warming cocktails.
• Goslings Black Seal: Slightly sweeter and works nicely with pear flavors.
• Kraken Dark Rum: Has a bold profile with natural spice that complements cinnamon.
• Homemade vanilla syrup substitute: Mix sugar, water, and a splash of vanilla extract if you’re out of syrup.
• Pear juice alternative: If you can’t find pear nectar, mix pear juice with a bit of simple syrup to thicken it.

No matter which rum you use, stick with something dark to keep that cozy depth.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need a full bar setup for this cocktail. Most of the tools are basic items you probably already have in your kitchen. A rocks glass works best because it shows off the color and pear garnish while keeping the drink easy to hold.

Helpful tools include:

• Cocktail shaker
• Ice
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Small knife for slicing pears

If you want to chill your glass beforehand, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. It keeps the drink cold longer without watering it down.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together fast, which makes it great for entertaining. Shaking blends the cinnamon evenly and chills everything so you get a smooth finish. The steps are simple but make a big difference for flavor and texture.

Here’s how to mix it:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add the pear nectar, dark rum, vanilla simple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
3. Cover and shake hard for 10–15 seconds, until the shaker feels icy cold.
4. Strain into a rocks glass.
5. Garnish with fresh pear slices for a clean, seasonal look.

Once you’ve made it once or twice, you can tweak the sweetness or spice level to your taste.

Pro Tips

These little details help make your cinnamon pear and rum cocktail taste even better. They’re simple, but they help the flavors blend well and improve the presentation.

• Use cold ingredients so the drink stays crisp without too much ice melt.
• Shake longer than you think to get the cinnamon fully incorporated.
• Strain twice if you want an extra-smooth texture.
• Pick ripe pears for garnish they add more aroma.
• Taste before serving to adjust sweetness or spice.
• Use clear ice if you want the drink to look extra clean in photos.
• Try smoked cinnamon for a deeper flavor if you enjoy spice-forward drinks.

Once you get comfortable, you can start creating your own twists based on the same flavor base.

Variations

This cocktail is flexible, so you can change it up depending on your taste or what you have on hand. It’s easy to build off the main pear-and-cinnamon theme and create a new version.

Try one of these ideas:

• Non-alcoholic: Skip the rum and use spiced black tea instead for a cozy mocktail.
• Maple version: Replace vanilla syrup with maple syrup for extra richness.
• Ginger twist: Add a splash of ginger syrup or ginger beer for some heat.
• Spiced pear: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or clove for more holiday flavor.
• Sparkling version: Top the finished drink with a little club soda to lighten it.

These small tweaks make it easy to serve different versions at the same gathering.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cinnamon pear and rum cocktail is perfect for winter gatherings, cozy nights in, and holiday dinners. It feels festive but still simple enough for casual afternoons. It also fits well with any holiday cocktail lineup if you’re hosting a Christmas recipe spread.

Enjoy it with:

• Cheese boards, especially aged cheddar or brie
• Roasted nuts or spiced pecans
• Pear and apple desserts
• Warm appetizers like baked brie
• Other cocktails like my Spiced Pear Martini, Apple Cider Sangria, or Cranberry Whiskey Sour

The pear flavor makes it a natural match for savory winter snacks and holiday treats.

Storage and Serving Notes

This is best made fresh, but you can prep parts ahead. Mix the pear nectar, cinnamon, and syrup early and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the rum and shake when you’re ready to serve. If you’re making cocktails for a group, multiply everything and store the base mix in a pitcher.

Aim for 4–6 ounces per serving so the drink stays balanced and not too boozy.

FAQs

People often have a few questions the first time they make a cinnamon pear and rum drink, so here are some of the common ones:

Can I use spiced rum instead?
Yes, but reduce the cinnamon a little since spiced rum already brings warmth.

Is pear nectar the same as pear juice?
Not quite—nectar is thicker and sweeter, which works better here. Pear juice can be used if you add a little syrup.

Can I make this drink hot?
You can warm the pear nectar and mix it with rum and cinnamon for a cozy version, but skip shaking.

Can I batch this for parties?
Absolutely. Just combine everything except ice in a pitcher and shake individual servings.

How sweet is this cocktail?
It’s lightly sweet from the pear and syrup. Adjust by adding more or less vanilla syrup.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love this cinnamon pear and rum cocktail, here are a few other drinks you might enjoy:

• Spiced Pear Martini: Smooth, seasonal, and great for holiday gatherings.
• Apple Cider Sangria: Bright, crisp, and perfect for a cozy night in.
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour: Tart, refreshing, and a great winter crowd-pleaser.
• Mulled Wine: Warm and comforting for cold nights.
• Christmas White Russian creamy, dessert like, and full of holiday warmth.

Each one brings its own seasonal charm and fits well alongside holiday menus.