Warm notes from a homemade pear ginger simple syrup combined with your favorite bourbon, brandy and lemon juice make this pear bourbon cocktail the ultimate winter drink. If you want to make a large batch for a party, just mix everything except the Ginger Ale and add when ready to serve!

I love a good fall cocktail - from an apple cider cocktail to pumpkin punch to an apple fizz. But when you think of fruit during the fall and winter, one of the first that comes to mind is pears. Sure, most people immediately think of apples in the fall but that's maybe because they only last for a couple of months, whereas pears are around for much longer.
Yes there is a little extra work by making a homemade pear ginger simple syrup, but it is what makes this drink.
With fruity pear, warm ginger and cinnamon, some sweetness from the honey, tartness from the lemon and splashes of bourbon and brandy, this pear cocktail has everything you could want. Fruity and sweet, but also warm and cozy? What could be better?
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Why You Will Love This Cocktail
- Seasonal vibe - It’s a great fall or winter drink, offering cozy comfort with seasonal fruit.
- Versatility - You can adjust the sweetness with more simple syrup or add spice with some ground cinnamon or cloves for extra warmth.
- Perfect party drink - You can mix everything except the ginger ale in advance and then add the ginger ale when ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes
- Honey - Adds some sweetness to the simple syrup.
- Pears - The star of the show. Use ripe, fresh pears for optimal flavor. And if you love pears, you can't go wrong with this pear martini.
- Cinnamon sticks and ginger - Provides warm notes, spice and a zesty kick that complements the pears.
- Bourbon - Choose a smooth, quality bourbon to complement the sweetness of the pear. You could mix it up and try homemade peanut butter whiskey for an additional flavor.
- Pear brandy - Enhances the pear flavor.
- Lemon - Freshly squeezed adds acidity and balances sweetness.
- Ginger Ale - Adds fizz and a hint of spice to also mellow out the cocktail.
Ingredient Swaps
While this cocktail is perfect as is, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup for the sweetness in the simple syrup.
- Try rum for a sweeter alcoholic base as opposed to bourbon.
- Instead of pear brandy, you can use another fruit brandy like apple brandy.
- Ginger beer can be used to replace Ginger Ale for a richer flavor or you can try club soda for a more neutral flavor.
How to Make a Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
- In a saucepan, combine water, honey, diced pear, cinnamon stick and ginger. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
- Let sit for 15 minutes, strain the syrup, discarding cinnamon and ginger. Refrigerate the syrup and keep the diced pears.
- In a shaker, mix bourbon, pear brandy, syrup and lemon juice with ice. Shake for 30 seconds, pour over crushed ice, add diced pears, and top with ginger ale.
Cocktail FAQs
Pear is the star here so you don't need to go super fancy with the bourbon. I used Jim Beam Bourbon. However, use whatever bourbon you like for this pear cocktail. As far as the brandy, I used Berneroy Fine Calvados which is an apple/pear brandy.
It has pear in the title for a reason but yes other fruit will work. You can use apples, peaches or even berries for a different flavor profile while maintaining a fruity element.
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its brightness and flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
I know not everyone has cocktail shakers. Just add your ingredients for the pear cocktail to a mug with some ice, screw the lid on tightly and start shaking.
Yes, you can mix together everything except the Ginger Ale and keep in the fridge for up to a week. Just add the Ginger Ale when ready to serve.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Make the cocktail to your tastes. If you like bourbon, add more or if you like sweeter drinks, add more simple syrup. If you don’t like super strong drinks, add more Ginger Ale. Use this recipe as a guideline.
- You can make a double batch of the syrup and keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. It goes great with tea as well.
- Save the pears cooked in the simple syrup and add to the pear cocktail.
- Used crushed ice which will make the pear cocktail colder quicker.
- Add a cinnamon stick and then you can use it as a straw.
Other Recommended Cocktails
If you’ve tried this pear bourbon cocktail or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You could also try a smoked old fashioned. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
Pear Ginger Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 pear, diced into ½" pieces
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 (1") piece of ginger
Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz pear brandy
- 1 oz pear ginger simple syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Ginger Ale, to taste
Instructions
Pear Ginger Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, diced pear, cinnamon stick and ginger and bring to a soft boil. Reduce to simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Strain the syrup into a glass measuring cup, discarding the cinnamon stick and ginger but keeping the diced pears. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cocktail
- Combine bourbon, pear brandy, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in a glass with crushed ice and a few leftover diced pears. Top with some ginger ale.
Notes
- Make the cocktail to your tastes. If you like bourbon, add more or if you like sweeter drinks, add more simple syrup. If you don't like super strong drinks, add more Ginger Ale. Use this recipe as a guideline.
- You can make a double batch of the syrup and keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. It goes great with tea as well.
- Save the pears cooked in the simple syrup and add to the pear cocktail.
- Used crushed ice which will make the pear cocktail colder quicker.
- Add a cinnamon stick and then you can use it as a straw.
Chris says
Sounds delicious!