Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a cozy and refreshing drink that brings together the sweet, juicy taste of ripe pears with the warm spice of cinnamon and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a cozy and refreshing drink that brings together the sweet, juicy taste of ripe pears with the warm spice of cinnamon and a touch of honey’s natural sweetness. It’s like a little glass of fall wrapped up in every sip, perfect for cool evenings or holiday get-togethers.
I love how this sangria smells as much as it tastes—there’s something soothing about the mix of fruit and spices that makes me want to sit back and relax right away. Adding cinnamon sticks not only flavors the drink but also gives it a charming look. I usually let it chill for a few hours to let the flavors blend beautifully, which I think really brings out the best.
When I serve this sangria, I like to pour it over lots of ice and add a few fresh pear slices on top. It’s a great drink to share with friends, especially when you want something a little special but super easy to prepare. This spiced pear sangria always feels like a nice break from the usual and makes any moment feel a bit more festive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well for this sangria. If you prefer something lighter or alcohol-free, try sparkling white grape juice or a non-alcoholic wine alternative.
Pear Juice or Nectar: This adds the juicy pear sweetness. If you can’t find pear juice, apple juice is a nice substitute that still complements the flavors.
Honey: Honey sweetens and warms up the drink. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead if you want a different kind of sweetness.
Pears and Apples: Thin slices of pears give fresh fruit flavor and visual appeal. Apples add a crisp note but are optional. Choose ripe, firm fruit for the best texture.
Cinnamon Sticks: Whole sticks infuse the drink gently over time. Ground cinnamon is great for rimming the glasses but isn’t ideal for infusing as it can get grainy.
How Can I Get the Most Flavor from the Cinnamon and Fruit?
To make sure the cinnamon and fruit flavors shine, here are some easy steps:
- Timing: Let the sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is best. This gives time for the wine to take on the warm spice and for pear juice to blend in nicely.
- Fruit Slicing: Slice the pears and apples thin so their juices mix quickly into the sangria. Avoid too thick slices that might stay firm and not release flavor.
- Cinnamon Infusion: Add the whole cinnamon sticks right away, but don’t break them apart. They’ll slowly release spice without overpowering the drink.
- Rim the Glass: Dipping the rim in honey or pear juice before rolling in cinnamon sugar adds extra cinnamon aroma every time you take a sip.
Following these tips will help your sangria taste balanced, inviting, and full of fall flavors every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – roomy enough to hold the wine, fruit, and ice comfortably for easy mixing and chilling.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing pears and apples quick and safe.
- Cutting board – protects your countertop and gives you a stable place to slice fruit.
- Measuring cups – help you get the honey and pear juice amounts just right.
- Spoon or stirrer – to mix the sangria well so the honey dissolves and flavors blend.
- Glasses – wide-rimmed glasses work great for rimming with cinnamon sugar and showing off the fruit slices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using sparkling rosé instead of white wine for a fruity, bubbly twist that brightens the drink.
- Add star anise or cloves along with cinnamon sticks for a deeper spiced flavor, perfect for cozy evenings.
- Mix in thin slices of ginger or a splash of ginger ale to bring a fresh, zesty bite.
- Swap pears for crisp apples or add pomegranate seeds to give a burst of tartness and color.
How to Make Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup pear juice or pear nectar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional, for additional flavor and garnish)
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon mixed with sugar for rimming glasses
- Ice cubes
Time Needed:
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the sangria ingredients and mix everything. Then, the sangria needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to blend, but overnight chilling is even better for deeper flavor. Serve chilled.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Pour the white wine, pear juice, and honey into a large pitcher. Stir well with a spoon until the honey dissolves completely, making the drink sweet and smooth.
2. Add the Fruit and Spices:
Place the thinly sliced pears and apple slices into the pitcher. Drop in the cinnamon sticks gently and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
3. Chill the Sangria:
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This resting time helps the cinnamon and fruit infuse the sangria with warm, cozy flavors.
4. Prepare the Glasses:
Moisten the rims of your serving glasses with a little pear juice or water. Then, dip each rim into the cinnamon-sugar mix so they get nicely coated with the sweet spice.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled sangria over the ice, making sure to include some pear slices and a cinnamon stick in each glass for garnish. If you like a little fizz, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water on top.
6. Enjoy!
Relax and savor this refreshing and warmly spiced pear sangria with your friends or family. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a delightful, easy-to-make cocktail.
Can I Use Frozen Pears for This Sangria?
Yes! Frozen pears work well, but thaw them completely in the fridge before adding. Pat them dry to avoid extra water diluting the sangria.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftover sangria in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first day.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything a day before your event and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will meld beautifully, making the sangria even tastier.
What’s the Best Wine to Use for This Recipe?
Choose a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Avoid overly sweet wines to keep the sangria balanced and fresh.
