The Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail is a smooth and refreshing drink that blends the warm richness of bourbon with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe pears and a hint of vanilla. It’s a perfect balance of cozy and crisp, making it a wonderful choice for relaxing evenings or casual get-togethers.
I love mixing this cocktail when I want something a little special but still easy to make. The vanilla adds just enough sweetness to complement the pear without overpowering the bourbon’s natural warmth. Plus, muddling fresh pear slices makes the drink feel fresh and vibrant every time.
My favorite way to serve this drink is over ice in a lowball glass, garnished with a thin pear slice or a vanilla bean if I have one handy. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and has a way of bringing a little sparkle to any night. If you like cocktails that are both fruity and smooth, this one might become your go-to too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bourbon
- The heart of this cocktail. Choose a smooth bourbon with hints of caramel or vanilla. If bourbon isn’t your thing, try rye whiskey for a spicier twist.
- Pear
- Ripe and juicy pear adds natural sweetness and freshness. Bartlett pears work great, but Bosc or Anjou also give good flavor. If fresh pears aren't available, pear juice can be a quick substitute.
- Vanilla Simple Syrup
- This adds gentle sweetness and warmth. You can use store-bought vanilla syrup, but homemade is simple and tastes better. Use vanilla extract if you can’t get a vanilla bean.
- Lemon Juice
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink and balances the sweetness. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the freshest flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Freshness?
The key is muddling the pear just right and mixing in the vanilla syrup carefully.
- Muddle the pear in the shaker gently until soft but not completely smashed—this releases juice without bitterness.
- Add the vanilla syrup a little at a time. You can adjust to your taste as some pears will be sweeter than others.
- Fresh lemon juice cuts the sweetness and makes the cocktail lively, so don’t skip it.
- Shake the cocktail well with ice to combine flavors and chill the drink thoroughly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker – perfect for mixing and chilling the drink quickly.
- Muddler – helps crush the pear to release fresh juice and flavor.
- Jigger or measuring tool – keeps your pours accurate for balanced taste.
- Rocks glass – ideal for serving this cocktail over ice.
- Small saucepan – for making homemade vanilla simple syrup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try apple instead of pear for a slightly tart and crisp twist that still pairs well with vanilla and bourbon.
- Add a splash of ginger beer for a spicy, fizzy finish that livens up the cocktail.
- Swap bourbon for spiced rum to highlight warm spices and add sweetness.
- Mix in a few fresh mint leaves during shaking for a refreshing herbal note.
Vanilla Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ ripe pear, peeled and diced (plus a thin slice for garnish)
- 1 oz vanilla simple syrup (see instructions below)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or pear slice for garnish
- Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Making the vanilla simple syrup takes roughly 5 minutes, and the cocktail mix itself is quick—just a few minutes for muddling, shaking, and pouring. No chilling time needed, so you can enjoy it right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Vanilla Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, and 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool. You can store any leftover syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Prepare the Cocktail Base:
In your cocktail shaker, muddle the diced pear pieces until soft and juicy, releasing their flavor. Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of the vanilla simple syrup, and ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice.
3. Shake and Serve:
Add ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients. Fill a rocks glass with ice, strain the mixture into the glass, and garnish with a lemon twist or thin pear slice. For an extra touch, add a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
4. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and savor the smooth blend of vanilla, pear, and bourbon flavors with a hint of citrus and spice. Cheers!
Can I Use Frozen Pear for This Cocktail?
Yes, you can use frozen pear if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before muddling to avoid watering down the cocktail.
How Should I Store Leftover Vanilla Simple Syrup?
Store the syrup in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week—just give it a gentle shake before using again.
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare and shake this cocktail fresh to keep the pear flavor bright and the drink well chilled. However, you can mix the bourbon and syrup in advance and refrigerate for a few hours; just add fresh pear and lemon juice when ready to serve.
What’s a Good Substitute for Bourbon?
If you don’t have bourbon, try a spiced rum or rye whiskey for a different but delicious flavor profile. Both work nicely with the vanilla and pear notes.