Bourbon Pear Cocktail

This cozy bourbon pear cocktail features bourbon, sage-infused simple syrup, pear nectar and lime juice topped with crisp ginger beer. It’s an incredible way to enjoy the under-appreciated flavors of fall.

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bourbon pear cocktail in an old fashioned glass garnished with fresh sage and pear

Why we love this pear cocktail

Pear and fresh sage. This cocktail all about those fall flavors, and in my opinion, they are way underrated. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good apple or pumpkin recipe, but these ingredients deserve a some time in the spotlight too.

When we were out to dinner a few weeks ago, I tried a really similar drink, and it was good – but not great. I knew it had major potential so I made my own version as soon as I could.

I didn’t change much, but it turns out, it just needed a pop of citrus juice to bring the flavors together.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Equipment

Cocktail Shaker

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Old Fashioned Glass

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Cocktail Jigger

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overhead view of a pear cocktail with bottles of ingredients around it

Ingredients & substitutions

Bourbon – Use whatever bourbon you would normally choose. For this drink, I like one that is a little more on the oaky side because it complements the fall flavors.
Pear nectar – This can be found near the juices in your grocery store, but if you can’t find it you can always make homemade pear nectar.
Lime juice – Like I mentioned already, citrus is totally needed to balance the flavors, but lemon juice will also work.
Sage – This drink features sage simple syrup, which is easily made at home, but you can also infuse your drink just by adding a few torn sage leaves into the cocktail shaker.
Ginger beer – I like to use a less-sweet version of ginger beer such as Fever Tree, but you can use whatever you have at home.

How to make this bourbon pear cocktail

Make the simple syrup. If you haven’t already, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat until the sugar has dissolved and transfer it to a mason jar or other container. Add fresh sage and let that steep until cool.

Mix your drink. Combine bourbon, pear nectar, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake until cold.

Garnish and serve. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a sage leave and/or a slice of pear.

bourbon cocktail in an old fashioned glass with fresh sage and a pear garnish

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