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.