Introduction

This Sparkling Vanilla Pear Mocktail is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the warm aroma of vanilla and a zing of lime. Finished with sparkling water, it creates a luxurious and elegant beverage perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Two clear stemmed glasses filled with a light golden fizzy drink, each with a large ice cube inside. A thin slice of pear with its brown edge is placed inside each glass, partially submerged. The rims of the glasses are coated with a fine layer of white sugar. On top of each drink, there is a small bunch of fresh green mint leaves and a thin black straw. The background shows soft blurred shapes with herbs scattered on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or homemade vanilla simple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to adjust sweetness)
1 cup sparkling water
Ice cubes
Extra pear slices (for garnish)
Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add the sliced pear. Use a muddler or spoon to gently mash the pear slices to release their juices and aromas.
Step 2: Pour in the vanilla syrup, fresh lime juice, and optional maple syrup or honey. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds to blend the flavors and chill the mixture.
Step 4: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Strain the pear-vanilla mixture into the glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Slowly top the drink with sparkling water to maintain its bubbles and fizz.
Step 6: Garnish with extra pear slices, fresh mint leaves, or a lime wheel. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe pears for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
Chill the sparkling water ahead of time to keep the drink extra cold and fizzy.
Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or honey to taste.
For a textured refreshment, try using crushed ice instead of ice cubes.
Make your own vanilla simple syrup by simmering equal parts water and sugar with a vanilla bean.

Storage

This mocktail is best enjoyed immediately to appreciate its fizz and freshness. If you need to store it, keep the pear-vanilla mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours and add sparkling water just before serving. Avoid storing the mixed drink with sparkling water to prevent loss of carbonation.

How to Serve

Two clear glasses filled with a light amber bubbly drink, each with large ice cubes inside. Both glasses have a thin slice of speckled pear resting along the edge inside the drink, and a green sprig of fresh thyme standing upright as garnish. The front glass is sharply focused, showing condensation on the outside and details of bubbles inside, while the second glass is softly blurred in the background. The setup is on a rustic wooden surface with scattered thyme sprigs and soft, warm natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears provide the best flavor and texture, but in a pinch, canned or thawed frozen pears can be used. Just drain them well before muddling to avoid excess liquid.

How can I make homemade vanilla syrup?

To make vanilla simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan with a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Simmer gently until sugar dissolves, then cool and strain before using.