Bourbon Pear Fizz

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is the kind of drink that fits perfectly into chilly fall afternoons with friends. I recall making this during a small gathering, and it surprised me how much everyone enjoyed the blend of bourbon and pear. It has a warm bourbon note, a soft sweetness from the Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and a clean finish from the Prosecco. It quickly became one of those drinks people request again once the weather cools down.

This easy spritz recipe feels right for the season, especially if you’re looking for something simple that still tastes complex. The pear flavor pairs well with holiday dinners, relaxed weekends, or early winter gatherings. The bubbles lift the drink, and the lemon juice keeps it bright. It works for people who enjoy bourbon but want something lighter, and it’s friendly enough for guests who prefer fruit-forward drinks without too much sweetness.

If you’ve been looking for a holiday cocktail that feels cozy but still refreshing, the Bourbon Pear Fizz fits that sweet spot. It’s fast to shake, it looks pretty in a coupe glass, and the flavors settle into a smooth balance that feels right from the first sip.

Why You’ll Love This

The Bourbon Pear Fizz brings together the warmth of bourbon with the fresh taste of pear. You get a clean swirl of flavors that feel right for fall and winter gatherings. I love this one because it strikes that perfect balance between rich and refreshing, and it’s simple enough to make after work or just before guests arrive.

Reasons this drink stands out:

• Easy to shake and ready in minutes
• Warm flavor from the bourbon, softened with pear
• Light bubbles from Prosecco keep each sip crisp
• Works for holiday dinners, brunch, or small gatherings
• Uses simple ingredients you can keep stocked during the season
• Looks great in a coupe glass, which helps for party photos
  

Once you try it, you may find yourself mixing it more often than you expected. It’s one of those drinks that fits many moods.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a noticeable part in this spritz. The bourbon brings depth, the Spiced Pear Simple Syrup adds soft sweetness, and the lemon juice keeps it bright. The Prosecco finishes the drink with bubbles that cut through the sweetness, making it feel lively.

You will need

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 ounces Prosecco
• ½ ounce Spiced Pear Simple Syrup
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• lemon peel, for garnish

Bourbon gives the drink its backbone, so choose one with a warm and smooth taste. The Spiced Pear Simple Syrup adds a gentle fruit note that pairs well with holiday meals and snacks. Lemon juice keeps the drink balanced, and the Prosecco adds bubbles without making it too heavy. The lemon peel gives a clean aroma that sits right on top.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need fancy bottles to make a great Bourbon Pear Fizz. A mid-range bourbon works best because it provides enough flavor without requiring additional ingredients. Pear syrups and sparkling wines vary, so choose ones that match your preferred taste.

Good options to try

• Buffalo Trace: a smooth bourbon that mixes well
• Bulleit Bourbon: suitable for a slightly sharper taste
• Four Roses: light and easy to pair with pear flavors
• Mathilde Pear Liqueur: helpful if you want a stronger pear note
• La Marca Prosecco: for clean bubbles
• Any dry champagne: if you prefer a sharper finish

If you can’t find Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, you can use regular pear syrup, but the flavor will be softer. A dash of cinnamon can help bring back some warmth if you want that holiday feel.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic tools to mix this drink. A shaker helps blend the bourbon, syrup, and lemon juice. A coupe glass works well because it showcases the bubbles, and it keeps the drink feeling elegant without requiring extra effort.

Helpful items

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Coupe Glass
• Strainer

If you chill the coupe glass first, the drink stays cold longer.

How to Make It

The Bourbon Pear Fizz comes together fast, and the steps are easy to follow. Shaking the bourbon, syrup, and lemon juice creates a smooth base for the drink. Adding Prosecco at the end creates that light fizz that makes it feel like a spritz.

1. Add the bourbon, Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake until the contents are chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Top with Prosecco and let it form a soft, bubbly layer.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Some people like a sweeter drink, so they add a touch more syrup. Others add more Prosecco for a lighter fizz. Adjusting it is simple.

Pro Tips

Small tricks help this drink feel polished while keeping the steps simple. These tips help you get the best balance of flavor, scent, and bubbles.

Try these helpful ideas

• Chill the coupe glass to keep the drink cold
• Shake the base mixture long enough to smooth out the lemon
• Use dry Prosecco for a cleaner finish
• Keep the syrup cold so the drink doesn’t warm too quickly
• Make the lemon peel right before serving for a better aroma
• Use clear ice for a cleaner flavor
• Add more Prosecco if you want a lighter spritz
• Stir gently after topping if you want a more blended taste

Feel free to adjust the syrup level if you prefer your drinks sweeter or drier.

Variations

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is easy to adapt. You can make it lighter, fruitier, or stronger depending on your mood or the people you’re serving. I like trying different versions when I have extra Prosecco already open.

Ideas to try

• Use sparkling cider instead of Prosecco for a sweeter drink
• Add a splash of pear liqueur for a stronger pear flavor
• Replace bourbon with rye for a slightly sharper taste
• Make a no alcohol version with non alcoholic sparkling wine
• Add a cinnamon stick for a gentle holiday vibe

Each variation retains the drink’s familiar essence while adding its own unique twist.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is perfect for holiday gatherings, quiet nights, and even small dinners with friends. It’s light enough for brunch but warm enough for winter evenings. It pairs well with both sweet and savory foods, making it easy to match with whatever you’re serving.

Best times to serve

• Thanksgiving dinner
• Christmas gatherings
• Weekend brunch
• Winter parties
• Simple nights at home

Pair it with

• Cheese boards
• Toasted nuts
• Pear tarts
• Roast chicken
• Soft pastries

For more ideas, try recipes like Apple Pear Spritz, Pear Moscow Mule, or Bourbon Smash. They share a similar flavor style and maintain a cozy mood.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is best served right after mixing. The bubbles fade if it sits too long, so make each glass fresh. You can batch the bourbon, syrup, and lemon juice ahead of time, then shake small portions as needed. Keep the mixture cold to maintain its brightness.

For parties, set up a small station with pre-measured syrup and lemon juice. Guests can shake their own base and top it with Prosecco for a simple self-serve option.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about this drink.

Can I use regular pear syrup instead of Spiced Pear Simple Syrup?
Yes. The drink will be a bit softer, but it still tastes clean.

What type of Prosecco works best?
A dry bottle works best because it keeps the drink balanced.

What bourbon should I choose?
Pick a smooth, warm bourbon that mixes easily. Buffalo Trace and Four Roses are good options.

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Use non alcoholic sparkling wine and pear syrup.

Is this drink very sweet?
Not usually. The lemon juice balances the syrup, and the Prosecco keeps the finish clean.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy spritz drinks with fruit and warm flavors, here are a few more that fit the same style. They’re simple to mix and feel right for holiday gatherings.

• Apple Pear Spritz: a bright mix with fresh apple and pear
• Pear Bourbon Smash: a warm drink with fresh citrus
• Pear Moscow Mule: a ginger and pear combo with a crisp finish
• Bourbon Spritz, a smooth mix with warm bourbon and bright citrus