Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a cozy, refreshing drink that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with warm spices. It features juicy pears, a touch of cinnamon, and a…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a cozy, refreshing drink that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with warm spices. It features juicy pears, a touch of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey, all mixed with your favorite wine to create a delightful treat. The flavors come together in a way that’s both fresh and comforting, making it great for any season.
I love making this sangria when I want something special but not too complicated. It’s one of those drinks that’s easy to share with friends or enjoy on a quiet evening at home. The cinnamon adds just the right hint of spice, and the honey naturally sweetens the mix without making it too sugary. Plus, letting it chill for a few hours really helps all the flavors blend perfectly.
My favorite way to serve this sangria is in big glasses filled with plenty of ice and extra pear slices. It’s lovely on a chilly day when you want something a little festive but still light. I’ve found that it’s a real crowd-pleaser and always sparks fun conversations. If you like fruity drinks with a spiced touch, this is definitely one to try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well for a crisp and light base. If you prefer, try a dry Riesling or even a sparkling wine for extra fizz. Avoid very sweet wines to keep balance.
Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc. They hold texture well without turning mushy. If pears aren’t in season, crisp apples make a nice substitute.
Cinnamon Sticks: Whole sticks give a gentle warmth without overpowering. You can swap for a pinch of ground cinnamon in the drink, but sticks look nice as garnish.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and depth. Maple syrup works too, especially if you want a bit more richness and a different kind of sweetness.
Pear Brandy or Liqueur: This is optional but boosts pear flavor and adds a bit of kick. If you don’t have it, more honey or a splash of orange liqueur can work.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor Infusion for This Sangria?
Flavors need time to mingle and develop. Here’s what helps:
- Mix the sangria ingredients in advance and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably 4 to 6 hours.
- Gently stir before serving to redistribute settled flavors.
- Add sparkling water or club soda right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
- Use thin slices of fruit to maximize flavor release without it becoming too soft.
- Rimming glasses with lemon and cinnamon adds extra aroma and enhances each sip.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling the sangria ingredients together.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the pears thinly and evenly for better flavor and presentation.
- Citrus juicer or reamer – makes adding fresh lemon juice easy and mess-free.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the honey, brandy, and other ingredients just right.
- Glasses with wide rims – great for cinnamon rimming and holding ice plus fruit slices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pears for sliced apples or peaches for a different fruity twist that still pairs well with cinnamon.
- Add a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling water for extra spice and fizz.
- Include a few whole cloves or star anise pods to deepen the warm spice flavor.
- Try a drizzle of maple syrup instead of honey for a richer, autumn-like sweetness.
How to Make Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 1 star anise (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup pear brandy or pear liqueur (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional for a bubbly touch)
- Ice cubes
For Serving:
- Ground cinnamon, for rimming the glasses
- Lemon juice (optional, about 1 tablespoon, to brighten the flavors)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend perfectly. For best results, chill between 4 to 6 hours. Serving and garnishing takes just a few more minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, thinly sliced pears, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), and honey. If you’d like, add the pear brandy or liqueur and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Stir gently until the honey dissolves and everything is well mixed.
2. Chill to Let Flavors Infuse:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours. This resting time allows the pears and spices to release their wonderful aromas and blend with the wine naturally.
3. Prepare to Serve:
Before serving, moisten the rims of your glasses with a little lemon juice. Dip the rims into ground cinnamon to give each glass a lovely spicy touch. Fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to add some of the pear slices to each glass for garnish. Add a cinnamon stick into each glass to stir and enjoy the scent as you sip.
4. Optional Touch of Bubbles:
For a fizzy finish, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to each glass just before serving. This gives a refreshing lightness to the sangria.
Enjoy your Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey — a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and warm spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions!
Can I Use Frozen Pears for This Sangria?
Yes, you can use frozen pears if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before slicing to avoid extra water diluting the sangria.
How Long Can I Store Spiced Pear Sangria?
Store leftover sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the fruit may become softer over time.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives to honey. They provide sweetness with slightly different flavor notes but work well in this recipe.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance to let the flavors fully develop. Just add the sparkling water or club soda right before serving to keep it bubbly.