Spiced pear cosmo

This Spiced Pear Cosmo infuses autumn warmth into a classic cocktail. Fresh pear, vanilla, and cinnamon blend seamlessly with vodka and pear brandy, creating a fragrant and cosy drink that’s both elegant and comforting – perfect for crisp evenings or festive gatherings.

Prep: overnight
Cook: less than 10 mins
Serves: Serves 1
Dietary: Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian
Spiced pear cosmoBy Carmen O’Neal
From Saturday Kitchen Recipes
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.

Nutri-Score C This elegant cocktail has a Nutri-Score of C. It contains natural fruit sugars from pears and brandy, balanced by fresh lemon juice and light syrup. It’s indulgent but much lighter than cream-based drinks, making it a smart festive choice when enjoyed moderately.



Ingredients

For the pear and vanilla infused vodka

  • 2 ripe yellow pears, washed, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
  • 500ml vodka

For the cinnamon syrup

  • 100ml sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick

For the spiced pear cosmo

  • 50ml pear and vanilla infused vodka (see above)
  • 25ml cloudy apple juice
  • 20ml pear brandy
  • 10ml fresh lemon juice
  • 10ml cinnamon sugar syrup (see above)
  • Ground cinnamon, to garnish

Customise

  • Use ginger syrup instead of cinnamon syrup for a spicier note.
  • Replace pear brandy with Calvados for an apple twist.
  • Add a dash of orange liqueur for extra depth and brightness.

Method

Infuse the Vodka

  1. Place the pear slices, vanilla pod, and seeds in a large, clean jar.
  2. Pour in the vodka, seal tightly, and shake gently to mix.
  3. Store in a cool, dark spot for 5–7 days, giving it a shake once a day.
  4. After 5 days, taste and strain through a fine sieve or coffee filter. Store in a clean bottle in the fridge.

Make the Cinnamon Syrup

  1. Add the sugar, 100ml of water, and the cinnamon stick to a small saucepan.
  2. Warm gently, stir until dissolved, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Let it cool and infuse for at least an hour, then strain. Store for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Shake the Spiced Pear Cosmo

  1. Add all the cocktail ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard until the outside feels frosty cold.
  3. Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and dust with ground cinnamon.

What can you serve with this

  1. Pear and almond tart – Echoes the fruity vanilla flavours beautifully.
  2. Cheese platter with Brie – Creamy cheeses love this cinnamon warmth.
  3. Roasted nuts – A savoury, crunchy companion to the sweet spice.
  4. Duck pâté toast – A luxurious, autumn-ready pairing.
  5. Apple crisps – Simple, light, and wonderfully compatible with pear notes.

FAQs for Spiced Pear Cosmo

  • What makes this different from a classic Cosmo?
    It replaces cranberry with pear and adds autumn spices like cinnamon and vanilla.
  • Can I make the infused vodka ahead?
    Yes, it improves over a week and can be stored for a month in the fridge.
  • Do I need fresh pears?
    Yes, fresh ripe pears release the best natural sweetness for infusion.
  • Can I skip the syrup?
    You can, but a little syrup balances acidity and adds warmth.
  • What glass is best?
    A chilled coupe or martini glass keeps it elegant and cold.
  • Can I serve it warm?
    No, this drink is best well-chilled for crisp balance.

Nutri-score Health Check

This cocktail achieves a C rating, meaning it’s moderately healthy for an alcoholic beverage. It’s light yet slightly sweet with natural sugars from pears and brandy.

Positive Factors

  • Fresh pear offers vitamins and natural fruit sweetness.
  • Lemon juice provides freshness and vitamin C.
  • Minimal added sugar compared to standard syrups.

Negative Factors

  • Vodka and brandy contribute alcohol calories.
  • Sugar syrup adds a touch of refined sugar.

The Nutri-Score is automatically calculated based on ingredients for general reference only.

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