When the leaves start to turn and sweater season rolls in, I start dreaming of cozy cocktails that feel like a hug in a glass—and this Spiced Pear & Ginger Sangria is just that. It’s the kind of festive sip that instantly warms up a room and makes everything feel a little more special, whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or just treating yourself after a long week. Trust me, this one’s got all the sparkle and spice you need to kick off fall in style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sangria came to life during one of my weekend hosting marathons—I needed a drink with fall flair that could be made ahead and served by the pitcher. It was love at first sip. Sweet pears, cozy spices, a zing of ginger… it’s like autumn in every glass.
- Perfect for entertaining—easy to batch and serve
- Infused with warm spices and fresh pear flavor
- Make-ahead friendly (and gets better with time!)
- Elegant yet approachable—fizzy, fruity, and festive
- Customizable for alcohol-free sipping
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml) – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1 cup pear juice or pear nectar
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, for extra warmth and depth)
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur – Cointreau or triple sec
- 2 tablespoons honey – or more, to taste
- 2 ripe pears – cored and thinly sliced
- 1–2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or 1 tbsp grated)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 3–4 whole cloves
- Peel of 1 orange & 1 lemon – avoid the white pith
- Sparking water or club soda – to top (1–2 cups)
- Ice – for serving
- Optional garnishes: extra pear slices, orange wheels, fresh thyme or rosemary
Pro Tips
- Use ripe but firm pears—Bosc or Bartlett are great choices
- Want a sweeter sangria? Use pear nectar instead of juice
- To intensify the spice, leave the cinnamon and cloves in overnight
- Chill your sparkling water ahead for maximum fizz and freshness
- Don’t skip the citrus peel—it adds beautiful aroma without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pitcher, stir together the white wine, pear juice, brandy (if using), orange liqueur, and honey. Keep stirring until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced pears, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and citrus peels. Give it a gentle mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Before serving, taste and adjust—add a little more honey for sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- If you prefer a smooth pour, strain out the whole spices. Then, top the sangria with sparkling water or club soda for that bubbly finish.
- Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a few pear slices, an orange wheel, or a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a festive final touch.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For quicker infusion, thinly slice your ginger and pears
- To keep it extra chilled for a party, freeze some pear slices and use in place of ice cubes
- Make this in a sealed mason jar or lidded pitcher to keep it fresh overnight
- Strain after chilling if you don’t love the texture of floating spices or citrus peel
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Zero-proof version: Swap the wine and booze for a mix of white grape juice and non-alcoholic sparkling cider
- Spice it up: Add a few crushed pink peppercorns or a grating of nutmeg for a bold twist
- Rosé Sangria: Try it with rosé and pomegranate juice for a fruitier alternative
- Pairing ideas: Serve alongside a pear and gorgonzola flatbread, roasted chicken, or a cranberry brie crostini platter
- Holiday sparkle: Pop in a few fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils before serving for a festive look
FAQs
Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just wait to add the sparkling water until right before serving.
What kind of wine works best?
Go for a dry white wine with a nice crisp flavor—Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are my go-tos. Avoid anything too sweet or oaky.
Can I use canned pear juice?
Yes! Pear nectar or canned pear juice work beautifully. Just taste before adding honey since some are already quite sweet.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml)
- 1 cup pear juice or nectar
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 2 tbsp orange liqueur
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1–2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 3–4 whole cloves
- Peel of 1 orange & 1 lemon
- 1–2 cups sparkling water
- Ice for serving
- Optional garnishes: pear slices, orange wheels, herbs
Instructions:
- Mix wine, juice, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey in a large pitcher.
- Add pears, ginger, spices, and citrus peel. Stir gently.
- Chill for 2 to 24 hours.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
- Strain, top with sparkling water, and serve over ice with garnish.
Nutrition: ~150 calories per serving
Did you try this cozy sangria twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below, share your spins on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag me @thekitchensaid so I can toast to your creations. Cheers to celebrating the season, one delicious sip at a time!
