Spiced Pear Martini: Autumn Elegance in a Glass

The Spiced Pear Martini is one of those cocktails that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it seems delicate and understated, with its pale golden hue and elegant presentation. But the first sip reveals something much deeper—soft, juicy pear rounded out with warming spice and a silky vodka backbone. It’s a cocktail that feels like the crispness of an autumn orchard mixed with the cozy comfort of a spiced dessert.

I first came across this drink at a little farm-to-table bar that specialized in seasonal cocktails. They had just gotten in a batch of fresh pears, and the bartender muddled one into my drink, finished with cinnamon syrup and pear vodka. It was like drinking fall in liquid form, the kind of cocktail that makes you think of knit sweaters, falling leaves, and the glow of candles on a chilly evening. Ever since, I’ve thought of the Spiced Pear Martini as the perfect companion to the changing seasons—festive enough for the holidays, yet cozy enough for an intimate dinner at home.

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Quick Facts: Spiced Pear Martini

Method: shaken
Flavor profile: fruity, spiced, lightly sweet
How to serve it: up (chilled, no ice)
Glassware: martini glass or coupe
Alcohol content: ~18–20% ABV, ~18–22 grams alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz pear vodka (regular vodka works with pear nectar)
• 1 oz pear nectar or pear juice
• ½ oz spiced simple syrup (cinnamon, clove, or allspice)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Garnish: thin pear slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise
• Ice

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Ingredient Notes

Pear Vodka:
Absolut Pears or Grey Goose La Poire are excellent options, offering clean pear flavor. If you can’t find it, regular vodka with pear nectar will still give great results.

Pear Nectar:
Look for nectar with a thicker, pulpy texture—it gives the cocktail body and richness. Juice works too, just lighter and crisper.

Spiced Simple Syrup:
Simmer equal parts sugar and water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise for 10 minutes. Cool and strain. Adds seasonal depth without overpowering the pear.

Lemon Juice:
Keeps the drink bright and prevents it from being cloying. Always fresh-squeezed.

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Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Martini glass or coupe
• Citrus juicer

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass.
Pop your martini or coupe into the freezer while you build the cocktail.

2. Shake.
In a shaker, add vodka, pear nectar, spiced syrup, and lemon juice. Fill with ice and shake hard for 12–15 seconds.

3. Strain.
Double strain into your chilled glass to remove pulp and achieve a smooth, elegant texture.

4. Garnish.
Top with a pear slice, a cinnamon stick, or star anise for aromatics.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Spiced Pear Martini is balanced, cozy, and refined:

• First sip: Juicy pear with a soft sweetness
• Mid-palate: Warm spice and citrus brightness
• Finish: Smooth vodka backbone with a lingering pear aroma

Mouthfeel: Silky and full-bodied thanks to pear nectar, yet crisp from lemon.

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Garnishing and Presentation

This cocktail looks best when dressed simply:

• Elegant option: A thin pear slice fanned across the rim.
• Holiday option: A cinnamon stick stirrer and floating star anise.
• Modern option: Dehydrated pear slice for rustic sophistication.

Pro tip: Brush pear slices lightly with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Spiced Pear Martini pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fall flavors:

Savory:

• Roast pork with apple or pear glaze
• Baked brie with honey and nuts
• Butternut squash soup

Sweet:

• Pear tart with puff pastry
• Gingerbread cookies
• Cheesecake with caramel drizzle

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Cocktail History and Trivia

While the martini has over a century of history, the pear martini is a modern variation that rose to popularity in the early 2000s with the flavored vodka boom. Adding spice is a natural seasonal evolution, echoing centuries-old traditions of pairing pears with cinnamon and clove in desserts and mulled drinks.

Today, the Spiced Pear Martini has become a fall and winter favorite in cocktail bars, showing that even fruit-forward drinks can be elegant and sophisticated.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spiced Pear Martini:

• At Thanksgiving as a festive alternative to wine
• For a holiday party, garnished with cinnamon sticks for aroma
• As an aperitif before a cozy autumn dinner
• On a winter date night, with candles and dessert

Batching tip (for 6 servings):

• 12 oz pear vodka
• 6 oz pear nectar
• 3 oz spiced syrup
• 3 oz lemon juice
  Shake in batches before serving, straining into chilled glasses.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

At ~18–20% ABV, it’s moderately strong but softened by juice and syrup.

To lower alcohol:

• Use 1½ oz vodka instead of 2 oz
• Add more pear nectar for balance

Non-alcoholic version:

• Replace vodka with NA spirit or sparkling water
• Keep pear nectar, lemon juice, and spiced syrup the same
• Top with soda for a festive mocktail

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular vodka instead of pear vodka?
Yes—just use pear nectar to provide the flavor.

What if I don’t have pear nectar?
Apple juice works in a pinch, though it changes the profile. You can also puree ripe pears for fresh juice.

How do I make spiced syrup?
Simmer 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar with 2 cinnamon sticks and 2–3 cloves for 10 minutes. Strain and cool.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—mix everything except lemon juice in advance, chill, then add lemon and shake before serving.

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Conclusion

The Spiced Pear Martini is autumn in a glass—elegant, fruity, and warming without being heavy. Whether you serve it at a Thanksgiving table, a holiday gathering, or just on a chilly evening when you want something seasonal and sophisticated, it’s the kind of cocktail that leaves an impression.