Spiced Pear Cocktail

The Spiced Pear Cocktail is a drink that highlights the cozy flavors of the season with a balance of sweet fruit and gentle spice. It begins with smooth spiced rum, which adds warmth and depth, paired with the mellow sweetness of pear juice for a soft and inviting base. Fresh ginger gives the drink a lively kick, while a touch of grated nutmeg adds a comforting spice that feels perfect for cooler weather. Finished with a garnish of delicate edible flowers, this cocktail is just as eye-catching as it is flavorful, making it a great choice for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.

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Tasting Notes

The Spiced Pear Cocktail combines warming spice with bright fruit for a drink that feels seasonal and layered. Spiced rum sets the tone with notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, while pear juice delivers a smooth, juicy sweetness that balances the boldness of the spirit. Fresh ginger brings a subtle heat that lingers, and Aperol adds a touch of bitterness and citrusy depth. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg rounds out the cocktail with an aromatic finish. Garnished with edible flowers, this drink is as visually striking as it is flavorful, making each sip complex yet approachable.

Equipment and Glassware

This Spiced Pear Cocktail requires only a few simple tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for muddling the ginger with pear juice and shaking the mixture until chilled. A muddler helps release the ginger’s aromatic oils, while a fine strainer ensures a smooth pour free from pulp or spice residue. A jigger allows for accurate measurements, keeping sweetness, bitterness, and spice in balance. Serve the cocktail in a rocks glass filled with ice, which highlights both its rich color and the garnishes. A small grater or microplane is also needed for freshly grating nutmeg to finish the drink with aromatic spice.

Ingredients

• 2 oz spiced rum
• 4 oz pear juice
• 4 slices fresh ginger
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Edible flowers for garnish
• 0.5 oz Aperol

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh ginger slices with the pear juice to release the ginger’s flavors.
• Add the spiced rum, aperol and a few grates of fresh nutmeg, along with ice.
• Shake the mixture well until chilled.
• Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh grated nutmeg and garnish with edible flowers.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly pressed pear juice for the best flavor and body.
• Muddle ginger firmly, but avoid over-crushing to prevent bitterness.
• Grate nutmeg just before serving for stronger aroma.
• Aperol can be adjusted slightly to make the cocktail more bitter or citrusy.
• Use large ice cubes to reduce dilution and maintain flavor.
• Edible flowers add a beautiful touch but can be replaced with a pear slice.
• Chill your glass before pouring for a crisper presentation.
• A cinnamon stick can be added for extra spice and garnish variety.

When to Serve

The Spiced Pear Cocktail is an ideal drink for autumn and winter gatherings, when spiced flavors are most appreciated. It works well as a pre-dinner aperitif, offering both brightness from citrus and warmth from spice to prepare the palate. The balance of pear sweetness, ginger spice, and Aperol bitterness makes it versatile enough for holiday parties, cozy evenings at home, or festive brunches. With its aromatic finish of nutmeg and edible flower garnish, the cocktail doubles as a centerpiece drink that feels special without being overly complicated. It’s equally fitting for casual get-togethers or more formal occasions.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Spiced Rum: Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, Kraken
• Aperol: Aperol (primary option), alternatives include Select Aperitivo or Contratto Bitter

Similar Cocktails

• Autumn Harvest Rum Punch
• Tropical Explosion
• Cantaloupe Ginger Cocktail
• Peach Blossom
• Peach Ginger Mojito