Sparkling Pear Mocktail or Cocktail (Easy Pitcher Recipe)

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This Sparkling Pear Mocktail or Cocktail is light, crisp, and naturally sweetened with pear juice and a hint of citrus. It’s an easy pitcher recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any cozy fall celebration. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s refreshing, festive, and beautiful on the table.

I first made this drink when I wanted something fun and elegant that everyone could enjoy, whether they drink alcohol or not. The flavor of fresh pear juice mixed with bubbles felt like the essence of fall in a glass.

Now it’s one of my go-to recipes for entertaining. I love how effortless it is to make and how it instantly elevates any gathering. Every time I pour a glass, it feels like a little toast to the season.

The mocktail is ready over ice in a clear glass cup.

Table of Contents

Spotlight on This Sparkling Pear Mocktail or Cocktail

It’s a crowd-pleaser: This sparkling pear mocktail or cocktail is perfect for gatherings. It’s light, festive, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
It’s made with real ingredients: No processed syrups or artificial flavors here. Just fresh pear juice, a touch of maple syrup, and natural bubbles for a clean, refreshing taste.
It’s refreshing: This drink is crisp, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of beverage you can sip all evening without feeling heavy.
It’s simple: With only four wholesome ingredients, this easy cocktail or mocktail recipe is effortless to make and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for Thanksgiving: If you’re looking for a festive holiday drink that feels special but not overly sweet, this is the one.
It’s make-ahead friendly: Mix everything in a pitcher before guests arrive and chill until serving. It saves time and looks beautiful on the table.
It’s versatile: Serve it as a mocktail for the kids or add your favorite spirit for a cocktail version. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress.

The Ingredients

Fresh pear juice: Choose 100% pure pear juice with no added sugars or preservatives. Its natural sweetness gives this drink a light, crisp flavor that perfectly captures the essence of fall.

Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and a subtle citrus tang that balances the sweetness of the pear juice.

Maple syrup: For a sweeter finish, drizzle in a touch of pure maple syrup. It complements the pear and rosemary beautifully while keeping the drink refined sugar-free.

Rosemary: A fresh rosemary sprig infuses a gentle herbal aroma that elevates the flavor and makes this mocktail or cocktail feel extra special.

Sparkling clementine water: Top off your drink with sparkling clementine water for a burst of bubbly refreshment and a hint of natural citrus without any added sugar.

Pears: Thinly slice 1-2 pears for garnish. The best varieties are Bartlett and Anjou.

Rim: You’ll need a mixture of cinnamon and coconut sugar and lemon wedges to wet the rims. Do not skip this part. It’s my favorite thing and absolutely delicious!

Optional – Alcohol: Turn this mocktail into a cocktail by adding vodka or bourbon. Both pair perfectly with the pear and citrus notes for a cozy fall-inspired drink.

THe mocktail is rimmed, the garnishes have been added, and it's ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the pear juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup (if using) up to one day in advance. Keep it refrigerated, then add the sparkling clementine water and rosemary just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and the flavor bright.

What kind of pear juice works best?

Use 100% pure pear juice with no added sugars or preservatives. You can also juice fresh pears at home if you prefer an even more natural flavor.

Can I turn this mocktail into a cocktail?

Absolutely. Add a few shots of vodka or bourbon to the pitcher. Or, use prosecco instead of sparkling water. Both options pair beautifully with the pear and citrus flavors.

Can I substitute the sparkling water?

Yes. Plain sparkling water, club soda, or even sparkling apple cider will work if you prefer a slightly different flavor. Just keep it bubbly for that refreshing finish.

Is this drink refined sugar-free?

It is! The recipe is naturally sweetened with pear juice and maple syrup, making it a great option for a healthier holiday drink.

How long does it stay fizzy?

Once the sparkling water is added, it’s best enjoyed within 1–2 hours for the freshest bubbles. If you’re prepping for a party, keep the sparkling water separate until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve chilled in a glass with ice, fresh pear slices, and a sprig of rosemary. It looks beautiful in a clear glass pitcher and adds a festive touch to your holiday table.

The Instructions

Step one: Add fresh pear juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and optional vodka or bourbon to a pitcher and mix. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-12 hours to chill before serving.

The pear juice mixture is in a small pitcher and is ready to chill in the fridge.

Step two: Make the cinnamon sugar rim. Add the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon to a small plate. Gently whisk or mix it up. Take a lemon wedge and run it around the rim to wet it. Place the cup face down into the cinnamon sugar mix and gently move the rim around to cover the entire rim.

Covering the glass rim in cinnamon and sugar.

Step three: When you are ready to serve, either pour the sparkling water directly into the pitcher and stir, or pour 1 cup of the pitcher’s mix into an individual glass and top with approximately 3/4 cup of sparkling water. Add ice. Drop a fresh piece of rosemary and 1-2 pear slices into the cup as garnish.

Storage

I recommend storing the pear mixture in the fridge to chill for up to 12 hours. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days with plastic wrap over the top.

Tips + Modifications

Always pour in the sparkling water right before serving so the drink stays fizzy and refreshing for your guests.

If you cannot find clementine water, any orange-flavored or regular sparkling water will work.

I recommend playing around with the sparkling water amount. I use typically about a half pear mixture to a half sparkling water.

For more sweetness, add additional maple syrup. For less sweetness, add less or omit completely.

I highly recommend doing the cinnamon sugar rim. It truly is the best part!