The Spiced Pear Collins builds on the classic Collins format while introducing seasonal fruit and spice. It shows how a simple template can be adapted without losing its identity.
Pear adds softness while spice introduces warmth. Soda keeps the drink light and refreshing. The balance sits between fresh and seasonal.
London Dry Gin is the right base here. Its clean, juniper-forward dryness gives the pear and cinnamon room to shine instead of competing with them. Gordon’s, Tanqueray, and Beefeater are all lovely, reliable choices if you need a starting point. Fresh pear purée gives you the brightest flavor when pears are in season, but a good bottled pear nectar works beautifully the rest of the year and keeps things simple.
This is a wonderful welcome drink for a Thanksgiving gathering or a cozy autumn dinner party. Serve it in a Collins glass over plenty of ice, and it pairs beautifully with something salty and rich, think roasted nuts, aged cheese, or a charcuterie board.
If you love this one, try the Apple Cider Spritz for another light, bubbly autumn sipper Curious about the bourbon variation above? The Smoked Apple Bourbon Smash leans further into that warm, fireside direction For more seasonal inspiration, browse my 10 Best Fall Cocktails
A Few Variations
- Swap the gin for bourbon for a warmer, more autumnal pour
- Skip the alcohol entirely and build it with soda water and a splash of extra pear nectar for a lovely non-alcoholic version
- Try adding a barspoon of ginger liqueur for extra spice
Why Lush Life Loves It
I like this when I want something that sits between seasons. It is light enough to drink easily but has just enough depth to keep it interesting.
Here is the recipe
Spiced Pear Collins
Ingredients
- 50 ml London Dry Gin
- 30 ml pear nectar or fresh pear purée
- 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml cinnamon syrup
- Soda water to top
- Garnish: A pear slice, thyme & cinnamon stick stirrer.
Instructions
- Add the gin, pear nectar, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir with a cinnamon stick.