Name: Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on); 1 orange, sliced (skin on); 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 2 cups filtered water; 1 orange, freshly-squeezed; 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup; pinch of ground cinnamon; Ginger beer, for topping; Rosemary sprigs, optional

There’s something magical about that cozy blend of sweet pears and spicy warmth mingling with a splash of citrus zest. This Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe is just that—a comforting, refreshing drink that feels special without any fuss. Trust me, it’s a sip you’ll keep coming back to.

A clear tall glass filled with a three-layered drink sits on a white marbled surface scattered with white fake snow and green cloth decorated with small gold and silver Christmas ornaments. The bottom layer is a light brown mix with a slightly grainy texture. The middle layer is a warm amber liquid with a large orange slice inside, its edges darkened with spice. The top layer is clear with ice cubes, topped with a cinnamon stick and fresh green rosemary sprigs standing vertically. In the background, there is a similar glass, and soft beige tones create a cozy atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe—it instantly became my go-to for chilly evenings and weekend brunches. There’s something so satisfying about the natural sweetness from the pears and maple syrup paired with warm spices and zesty citrus brightness. It’s easy, surprising, and so well balanced.

Comfort in a Glass: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with maple syrup creates a cozy and inviting flavor profile that’s like a hug.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything exotic—just fresh pears, oranges, and a handful of spices you probably already have.
Versatile and Refreshing: It's perfect as a mocktail for any occasion, with or without a bubbly ginger beer topper.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the sweetness or spice levels depending on what you like best—I'll share how later!

The image shows a clear tall glass filled with a three-layer drink placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is thick and light brown with a grainy texture. The middle layer is a mix of light and dark amber liquid with ice cubes spread throughout. The top layer includes a large slice of orange, dusted with cinnamon or spices, leaning against the inside of the glass, and a fresh green rosemary sprig sticking out from the top. The background is softly blurred with another identical glass out of focus. Small holiday decorations, including a green cloth and silver tinsel, are scattered on the surface around the glass. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe plays a crucial role. The pears offer mellow sweetness and natural body, while the orange slices add brightness and zing. Maple syrup brings depth and warmth, and the trio of spices creates that inviting fall-like atmosphere. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping:

Flat lay of two medium D’Anjou pears sliced with skin on, one whole bright orange sliced with skin on, one whole fresh orange, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of pure maple syrup, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white bowl containing ground nutmeg, a small white bowl containing ground allspice, a small white bowl with filtered water, and a few fresh rosemary sprigs, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportions on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

D’Anjou pears: These pears are juicy yet firm, perfect for simmering without turning mushy. Keep the skin on for extra texture and flavor.
Oranges: Choose fresh, ripe oranges with thin skin for the best zest and juice. Using the skin adds aromatic oils that lift the flavor beautifully.
Extra virgin olive oil: A tiny splash rounds out the flavors and helps meld the citrus and spices together nicely—don’t omit!
Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup instead of syrup substitutes for that rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: These warm spices make the mocktail feel cozy and inviting. Freshly ground will always taste best if you can manage.
Filtered water: Clean water ensures your flavors shine without any off tastes.
Freshly-squeezed orange juice: Adds zest and tang to balance the sweetness—always squeeze fresh if you can.
Ginger beer: This bubbly topper cuts through the sweetness with spice and effervescence, making it a lively final touch.
Rosemary sprigs (optional): For an herbal note and pretty garnish that elevates the presentation.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste. I often play with the spice levels or add a splash of sparkling water instead of ginger beer when I want something lighter.

Variation: When I made this for a holiday get-together, I swapped out ginger beer for a cinnamon-infused sparkling water—it was a hit with folks who prefer less spice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe

Step 1: Simmering the Spiced Pear and Citrus Base

Start by slicing your D’Anjou pears and one orange, skin on—it adds such a fresh aroma and depth when simmered. Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the pears and orange slices. Pour in the ¼ cup maple syrup and sprinkle your cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over the fruit. Slowly pour in the filtered water, bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. You'll smell the spices mingling, and the fruit will soften just enough to infuse all that flavor into the liquid.

Step 2: Fresh Squeeze and Sweeten

While your spiced fruit simmers, squeeze the juice of the second orange. Once your simmered mixture is ready, strain it into a pitcher to remove the solids. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to your freshly squeezed orange juice. Combine this with the warm spiced pear liquid—it’s the heart of your mocktail.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Pour your spiced maple citrus pear mixture into glasses about two-thirds full, then top off with a splash of ginger beer. The bubbles add a lively zing that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices. Add a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy—it also adds a subtle herbal note that pairs nicely.

Top Tip

Having made this drink several times, I can tell you a few little tricks that make a big difference in the final flavor and ease of preparation.

Use Skin-On Fruit: Leaving the skin on the pears and oranges adds natural pectin and a beautiful depth of flavor—just make sure to wash them well.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat moderate so the spices bloom without burning, which can make the drink bitter.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste before adding ginger beer and adjust the maple syrup if you want it sweeter or less so. Everyone’s taste buds are different!
Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a cold mocktail, chill the spiced pear base in the fridge before topping with ginger beer so it stays refreshing.

How to Serve Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe

Spiced Maple Citrus Pear - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go simple with garnishes here—a fresh rosemary sprig is my favorite. It adds a lovely piney aroma that plays well with the cinnamon and allspice. Thin slices of orange or a cinnamon stick tucked into the glass also look festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This mocktail pairs beautifully with light, fresh foods like roasted nuts, a cheese board with mild cheeses, or spiced cookies if you want to keep the cozy vibe going. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside breakfast dishes like cinnamon oatmeal or pumpkin pancakes for a warm start to the day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this mocktail in clear stemmed glasses with sugared rims—just rim the glass edge with fresh orange juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar. Adding a cinnamon stick as a straw and floating an orange wheel on top makes it feel like a party in every sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store the spiced pear base separately in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, just warm gently or serve chilled with ginger beer on the side so it stays fizzy and fresh.

Freezing

This mocktail base freezes quite well if you want to batch-make it in advance. Pour the cooled spiced pear liquid into ice cube trays or a sealed freezer container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your stored mocktail gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the spices mellow and fresh. Add ginger beer right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pears for this mocktail?

Absolutely! While D’Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape and have the right balance of sweetness, other firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett can work too. Just be mindful of ripeness—overly ripe pears might turn mushy during simmering.

Is this mocktail suitable for kids?

Yes, definitely. This mocktail is alcohol-free and made with natural ingredients, so it’s a great festive drink for kids and adults alike. Just keep in mind the ginger beer you use should be non-alcoholic.

Can I make this mocktail ahead of time?

You sure can! The spiced pear base keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage. Just add the ginger beer right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and lively.

What can I use as a substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey is a decent substitute if you’re not strictly vegan. For a vegan option, date syrup or agave nectar can work, but the flavor profile will shift slightly and be less rich and caramel-like.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail Recipe has become one of those special drinks I love offering friends when I want to create a memorable yet simple treat. It’s like capturing the essence of fall and winter in a glass—warm, lightly spiced, naturally sweet, and utterly satisfying. I’m so glad I found this combination, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much when you make it your own. Give it a try, and you might just find it’s your new favorite mocktail too!