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.
By Carmen O’NealFrom Saturday Kitchen Recipes
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.
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
- Place the pear slices, vanilla pod, and seeds in a large, clean jar.
- Pour in the vodka, seal tightly, and shake gently to mix.
- Store in a cool, dark spot for 5–7 days, giving it a shake once a day.
- 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
- Add the sugar, 100ml of water, and the cinnamon stick to a small saucepan.
- Warm gently, stir until dissolved, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- 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
- Add all the cocktail ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard until the outside feels frosty cold.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and dust with ground cinnamon.
What can you serve with this
- Pear and almond tart – Echoes the fruity vanilla flavours beautifully.
- Cheese platter with Brie – Creamy cheeses love this cinnamon warmth.
- Roasted nuts – A savoury, crunchy companion to the sweet spice.
- Duck pâté toast – A luxurious, autumn-ready pairing.
- 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.