If fall candles were a drink, this would be it. The aroma of these Sparkling Vanilla Pear Mocktails are what fall dreams are made of. If that's not enough to get your attention, I've also made this drink simple by using a store-bought pear juice blend. Tiny specs from real vanilla beans are simply mesmerizing. And a touch of maple syrup, sparkling water, a sprig of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the glass make this mocktail festive enough to serve for the holidays, and cozy enough for sipping fireside on a crisp autumn day.
How To Make Sparkling Vanilla Pear Mocktails
There are basically 3 steps to making this easy drink recipe. You'll need a pitcher big enough to hold 32 oz. since this is a large batch recipe *(check recipe notes below for single serve option).
- Infuse the pear juice with vanilla beans and maple syrup then refrigerate. I recommend using Ceres pear juice blend. It's actually a blend of pear juice and puree so it's a little thicker than regular juice. I use 2 real pods for this recipe. I cut each in half, slice open and let the flavor infuse the juice for at least 30 min or up to 4 hours. I also use a little maple syrup to sweeten up the juice slightly (since we will be diluting the drink with sparkling water). The syrup also gives the juice a rustic, earthy flavor that goes nicely with the vanilla. You can adjust the amount you add for the desired sweetness you prefer. You can also omit the syrup altogether.
- Add the sparking water. After infusing with vanilla and right before serving, pour in one cup of sparkling water to the pitcher and give it a stir.
- Garnish the side rim of glasses with cinnamon sugar. It may seem obvious, (but just remind you)...coat the glasses before adding the ice or juice. In order to get the sugar to stick, cut open a lemon, lime or even a slice of orange and rub the flesh along the side of the glass. Then either dip or sprinkle on the sugar to coat on side of glass. I use these gorgeous low ball whiskey glasses that really make an impact, especially when entertaining.
How To Garnish Vanilla Pear Mocktails + Build on Flavors
I like to garnish the drinks with fresh thyme. But you could also use fresh rosemary sprigs too.
A cinnamon stick or star anise could be added to the pitcher or glass for extra flavor.
I love leaving the vanilla bean pods floating in the drink for extra pizzaz, but this is optional.
You could also garnish the drinks with a thin slice of fresh pear or orange as well!
Make It a Cocktail
This pear mocktail is versatile, meaning instead of sparkling water you could also top it off with a little Prosecco... a Pearsecco!
I would imagine a little tequila, bourbon, gin or vodka might work well in this recipe too.
Disclaimer: Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 yrs is illegal. Please drink responsibly.
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Sparkling Vanilla Pear Mocktails
Equipment
- large pitcher
- long cocktail stirrer or wooden spoon
- 4 lowball cocktail glasses
Ingredients
- 3 cups Ceres pear juice blend
- 2 vanilla bean pods cut in half and partially sliced open (leaving the beans inside, they'll slowly release when the drink is stirred).
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 lemon or lime wedge to prep glasses
- 2 tablespoon cinnamon sugar for coating glass
- ice
- fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Add the pear juice, maple syrup and vanilla bean pods to the pitcher. Give it a few stirs to release some of the beans. Refrigerate for 30 min or up to 4 hours.
- Right before serving, prep the glasses by rubbing a lemon or lime wedge over the side rim of glass. Pour the cinnamon sugar onto a flat plate. Dip the glasses in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Pour 1 cup of sparkling water into the pitcher and give it a stir. (I do this right before serving to preserve the fizz).
- Add a handful of ice to each glass. Fill each glass with the sparkling vanilla pear mocktail blend.
- Garnish each glass with vanilla bean pod and sprigs of thyme (optional).
Notes
I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
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