Paul Kushner
The Spiced Pear Martini is a cozy yet refined cocktail that highlights the natural sweetness of pear vodka with the nutty depth of amaretto. A touch of honey and lemon juice provides balance, while cardamom bitters lend a warm, aromatic spice. Finished with a cinnamon sugar rim, this drink is ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any evening when you want something flavorful and comforting. Simple to prepare but rich in taste, the Spiced Pear Martini offers a seasonal twist on the classic martini style, pairing fruit, spice, and sweetness in harmony.
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Tasting Notes
The Spiced Pear Martini blends fruit, warmth, and a touch of sweetness in a smooth, layered cocktail. Pear vodka brings crisp orchard flavor, while amaretto provides almond richness that deepens the profile. Honey and lemon juice strike a balance of sweet and tart, giving the drink structure without overshadowing the base spirits. Cardamom bitters add spice and subtle complexity, lifting the cocktail with aromatic depth. The cinnamon sugar rim adds texture and extra sweetness, perfectly complementing the spiced notes. The result is a cocktail that feels seasonal yet versatile, combining comforting flavors with a refined finish.
Equipment and Glassware
Making the Spiced Pear Martini is straightforward with only a few tools needed. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending the honey, citrus, and spirits while chilling the drink. A cocktail spoon helps dissolve the honey fully into the lemon juice before shaking. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into your prepared glass. To dress the rim, you’ll need a small plate for the cinnamon sugar and a fresh piece of lemon rind for wetting the edge of the martini glass. The final presentation in a chilled martini glass gives the drink its classic, polished look.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce honey
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1 3/4 ounces pear vodka
- 1 ounce amaretto
- 3 dashes cardamom bitters
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a plate with cinnamon sugar. Using a piece of lemon rind, wet the rim of a martini glass. Dip the glass into the cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, combine the honey and lemon juice. Stir with a cocktail spoon until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Add the pear vodka, amaretto, and cardamom bitters to the shaker. Stir again to ensure the honey is well incorporated.
- Add ice to the shaker, cover, and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Enjoy your Spiced Pear Martini!
Pro Tips
- Chill the martini glass before serving for a crisp presentation.
- Use high-quality honey for richer depth of flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is essential; bottled juice will mute the balance.
- Stir the honey and lemon juice thoroughly before shaking to avoid clumping.
- Adjust the rim by using more or less cinnamon sugar based on preference.
- Shake until the shaker feels frosty on the outside for the proper chill.
- For added spice, garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top.
When to Serve
The Spiced Pear Martini shines during autumn and winter months, though it works well year-round when you want a cocktail with depth. Its warm spice, nutty undertones, and subtle sweetness make it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings or after-dinner drinks. It pairs especially well with seasonal dishes like roasted poultry, baked fruit desserts, or nut-based pastries. Thanks to its balance of fruit and spice, it is also an excellent cocktail for intimate dinner parties, where it can serve as both a conversation starter and a polished finishing touch to a meal.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Pear Vodka: Absolut Pears or Grey Goose La Poire are smooth, reliable options.
- Amaretto: Disaronno offers the richest flavor, though Lazzaroni is a solid alternative.
- Bitters: Scrappy’s or Bitter Truth cardamom bitters provide quality spice notes.
- Honey: Use raw or artisanal honey for best results, such as local farm varieties.
- Lemon Juice: Always freshly squeezed lemons for balanced acidity.
Similar Cocktails
- Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash
- Ginger Pear Snap
- Penicillin
- Cinnamon Amaretto Sour
- Bitter Lemon Cooler
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce honey
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1 3/4 ounces pear vodka
- 1 ounce amaretto
- 3 dashes cardamom bitters
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a plate with cinnamon sugar. Using a piece of lemon rind, wet the rim of a martini glass. Dip the glass into the cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, combine the honey and lemon juice. Stir with a cocktail spoon until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Add the pear vodka, amaretto, and cardamom bitters to the shaker. Stir again to ensure the honey is well incorporated.
- Add ice to the shaker, cover, and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Enjoy your Spiced Pear Martini!
Notes
Pro Tips
- Ensure the honey is completely dissolved with the lemon juice before adding the other ingredients to avoid any clumps.
- For an extra cold martini, chill the martini glass in the freezer before preparing the cocktail.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste preference for sweetness.
