Fall is all about warm colors, cozy vibes, and soothing foods. This Cozy Pear Cider Recipe is a drink for this time of year! It is a simple drink to make that will warm your soul on chilly nights. This is so much better than anything you could buy in grocery stores!
Why Make This Cider?
Pears are an underrated fruit that really shines in this delicious drink.
On a cold winter day, this drink is essential. It is a hot drink that is infused with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. While I love hot cocoa, cider always feels much lighter and more of what I am looking for. This is the perfect drink to celebrate fall.
It is really simple to make. Yes, it takes time to cook, but 99.99% of that time is hands-off. If you have never tried homemade cider, you will be surprised at just how easy it is!
The cider holds well for up to 2 weeks! I love this as you can make it and reheat it as needed. This is also great when you plan on using it for a get-together. Make it ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready. Or you can throw it in the slow cooker and let it heat before and during the party.
Your house will smell amazing. We all know there is something so calming about the smells of cinnamon in your house, this drink will do it!
There 2 types of cider, hard and sweet cider. As I don't drink alcohol, this is a sweet recipe. Hard cider contains alcohol, sweet does not.
Ingredients
- Fresh Pears- You can use any variety of pears you like, or even a blend. I used Barlett pears, but know there are a lot of other pears out there that are just as good!
- Cinnamon Sticks- you can also use powdered cinnamon, but the flavor is much better in stick form. I buy my sticks in the Mexican section of my local grocery store. They are so much cheaper this way.
- Whole cloves- As above, these are much better whole. Pears contain a lot of fruit sugar, so you won't need much in the way of sweeteners.
- Brown Sugar- You could also use maple syrup as a sweetener if you are going for refined sugar-free, but I personally really like brown sugar
- Lemon- This is optional, but I really like the slight citrus flavor in the drink. The lemon juice just adds a little dimension to the drink.
- Star Anise- This is optional, and you will see I didn't use it as I didn't have any. I love the subtle flavor though.
- Vanilla bean- optional. Another great flavor enhancer. I did not have this, so I added pure vanilla at the end.
- Whole allspice- again optional, but another fun flavor infusion.
How to Make
First thing is to start by cutting your pears in half. You don't need to do anything other than this as everything will be strained out, so don't worry about cutting out the seeds or removing stems. I mean you can, but don' have to.
Next all ingredients to a large stockpot. I love using my Lodge enameled cast iron pot, but use whatever large pot you like.
Bring them to a boil and let them boil for about an hour. Then gently mash the pears to release all the pear juice. Start with high heat then reduce.
Reduce the heat to a low simmer and continue to cook for about an hour. This long cooking period is essential as this is where you will really develop the flavors.
Once it is done cooking, strain through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
That is it, you are done! From here you can serve immediately or even store in a mason jar or container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Notes
This cozy spiced pear cider is delicious and simple to make, but let me share a few tips that will ensure you have success right away.
There are plenty of ways to vary the sugar levels in this drink. Maple syrup or even honey will produce a milder and different flavor. You can also use coconut sugar or agave nectar for added sugar, this drink is easy to play around with.
This recipe calls for 10 cups of water. I know it seems like a lot, but there is plenty that will reduce as it is cooking.
I generally prefer this drink hot, but honestly, it is still really good when it is at room temperature and chilled too.
Make sure you choose a good pear for this recipe. The ripeness of the pear will really determine how good the flavor will be. So, you want one that is just barely ripe, press gently to check, but not too hard. It should give just slightly.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Looking for ways to dress up this homemade pear cider? Let me give a few suggestions:
If you are serving this chilled, how about mixing in some sparkling water. Sparkling pear cider is so good and is a favorite of mine to serve during the holiday season.
Pear and maple are a great combination, so if you want, add in a bit of maple syrup. You will love the flavors together.
This can also be made with a blend of apples as well. You can sub half the pears for apples. I think this makes really delicious cider.
If you like alcohol, there are plenty of options for this cider that you can add-in. Rum of course would be great, Grand Marnier is a great orange flavor to add to this delicious pear cider. Really, there are a lot of drinks to mix in with this.
FAQ
Make sure and store it in a sealed container and it will stay good for at least 2 weeks in the fridge.
Yes, I didn't have them either when I photographed this recipe, I added pure vanilla at the end.
In the United States pears are in season in the late summer and early fall. This is when their flavor is at its best.
Other Fall Recipes
- Layered Apple and Cinnamon Loaf
- Whole Grain Snickerdoodles
- Stamped Gingerbread Cookies
- Apple Pie
- Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream
- Simple Pie Pops
Cozy Pear Cider Recipe
Equipment
- large stock pot
Ingredients
- 6 fresh pears, halved
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 10 cups water
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 2 star anise optional
- 2 whole allspice optional
- 2 teaspoons vanilla you can also use 1 vanilla bean.
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large stockpot. If you are using a vanilla bean, add it now.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, cooking for one hour.
- Gently mash the pears and lower the heat to a simmer and cook another 2 hours.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla if you are using pure or vanilla extract.
- Strain through a mesh strainer if you don't mind very small pieces of pears (I did this). If you want it to be perfectly clear, strain through cheesecloth.
- That is it! You can serve it right away, or allow it to cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!