I love how a simple syrup transforms fresh fruit into cocktail magic.
This Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz combines home-made pear-vanilla syrup with crisp gin and bubbly soda water.
Each sip feels like a sunny orchard stroll—delicate, bright, and utterly refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Orchard-fresh flavor – Real pear purée and vanilla create natural sweetness.
Easy to customize – Swap gin for vodka or add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Effervescent finish – Soda water lifts the syrup for a light, fizzy drink.
Pantry-friendly – Make the syrup ahead and store for up to two weeks.
Impressive yet simple – Perfect for weekend brunches or casual happy hours.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pear Vanilla Syrup
Pears – Bartlett for a sweet, juicy base
Sugar & water – Classic simple-syrup foundation
Vanilla syrup – Adds warm, aromatic depth
To Make One Cocktail
Gin – A quality London dry or botanical base
Pear purée syrup – The star ingredient for fruity sweetness
Soda water – Provides effervescence and lightness
Crushed ice – Keeps the drink cold without diluting flavor
Pro Tips Before You Start
Choose ripe pears – Bartletts with golden skin are sweetest and easiest to purée.
Simmer gently – Avoid boiling over; stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Strain thoroughly – Press solids firmly to extract maximum syrup flavor.
Chill the syrup – Refrigerate completely before mixing cocktails to keep them crisp.
Rim garnish – Moisten glass rim with vanilla syrup and dip in sugar for an extra touch.
How to Make Your Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
Combine chopped pears, sugar, water, and vanilla syrup in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 2: Simmer & Reduce
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Cook 5–8 minutes until the mixture turns amber and the pears break down, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Strain the Syrup
Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a container.
Press pear solids with a spoon to release any remaining liquid.
Discard solids (or blend into a secondary purée for extra texture).
Step 4: Cool & Store
Let the pear-vanilla syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use.
It keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
Step 5: Mix the Cocktail
In a glass, whisk together gin and pear-vanilla syrup.
Top with soda water, fill with crushed ice, and stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy
Optional: Rim the glass with vanilla syrup and dip in sugar.
Garnish with a pear slice or vanilla bean pod. Cheers!
What to Serve It With
Brie and pear crostini for a sophisticated snack
Smoked almonds or spiced nuts to complement the sweetness
Prosciutto-wrapped melon slices for an elegant pairing
Light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the fruitiness
Variations / Substitutions
Spirit swap: Use vodka or white rum instead of gin.
Herbal twist: Muddle fresh basil or mint in the glass before adding syrup.
Spice note: Add a dash of ground ginger or cinnamon to the syrup.
Fruit blend: Substitute half the pears with apples or peaches.
Low-sugar: Replace sugar with allulose or a sugar-free sweetener.
Storage & Leftovers
Syrup: Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks; stir before using if separated.
Cocktail base: Pre-mix gin and syrup in a sealed bottle; chill up to 24 hours, then top with soda and ice.
Glassware: Rinse soda bottles with cold water to maintain carbonation for longer.
FAQs
Can I use canned pear purée?
Yes—substitute 1 cup canned purée and skip blending fresh pears.
How do I make it non-alcoholic?
Omit gin and increase pear-vanilla syrup to 3 Tbsp, then add soda water and ice.
Will the vanilla syrup overpower the pear?
No—¼ cup vanilla syrup adds depth; adjust to taste if you prefer subtler vanilla notes.
Can I batch-make multiple cocktails?
Absolutely—scale gin and syrup to desired servings, then top each glass individually with soda.
What glassware is best?
Use a highball or Collins glass to showcase the fizz and garnishes.
How cold should the soda be?
Chill soda to at least 40°F for optimal effervescence and refreshment.
Can I add fresh pear slices into the drink?
Yes—tuck thin pear slices among the ice for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz offers a sophisticated twist on the classic gin cocktail, combining orchard-fresh sweetness with bright bubbles.
The homemade pear-vanilla syrup elevates every aspect, making it a standout at any gathering or cozy evening.
