A sophisticated sparkling cocktail blending warm bourbon, fresh pear juice, and aromatic ginger-sage syrup, topped with crisp ginger ale and garnished with pear and sage.
This spritzer is perfect for fall evenings, festive gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique flavor — the earthy sweetness of pear meets the spicy warmth of bourbon.
Herbal twist — ginger-sage syrup infuses an unexpected, aromatic note.
Sparkling finish — ginger ale adds lively bubbles and ginger kick.
Easy prep — simple syrup and spritzer come together in minutes.
Crowd-pleaser — elegant presentation with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Bourbon — rich, oaky spirit for depth.
Pear juice — fresh-squeezed if possible for vibrant fruit flavor.
Ginger ale — bubbly mixer with ginger spice.
Ginger-sage syrup — homemade, combining ginger and sage in sweet syrup.
Pear slice & sage — garnish for visual and aromatic appeal.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill all ingredients thoroughly to keep the spritzer crisp.
Prepare ginger-sage syrup ahead and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Use a fine strainer when making syrup to remove all ginger bits.
Stir gently after adding ginger ale to preserve effervescence.
How to Make the Ginger-Sage Simple Syrup
Step 1: Combine & Simmer
In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar with ginger cubes and sage leaves.
Bring to a simmer, whisking until sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Infuse & Strain
Remove from heat, let steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain out solids.
Store syrup in a clean jar in the refrigerator.
How to Make the Spritzer
Step 1: Build the Drink
In a glass filled with ice, combine bourbon, pear juice, ginger ale, and syrup.
Step 2: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with a pear slice and a sprig of sage. Serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
Cheese board with blue cheese and fig jam.
Ginger-spiced nuts or candied pecans.
Spiced pear crostini with goat cheese.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier profile.
Use club soda instead of ginger ale for a lighter fizz.
Add a dash of Angostura bitters for complexity.
Storage & Leftovers
Syrup stores for up to 2 weeks; keep spritzer ingredients separate until serving.
Prepare multiple spritzers in a pitcher, adding ginger ale just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bottled pear nectar?
Yes — ensure it’s 100% juice for best flavor.
How strong is this cocktail?
Moderate — adjust bourbon amount to taste.
Can I make the syrup less sweet?
Reduce sugar slightly or steep longer to intensify flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh sage?
Dried sage works; use half the quantity and steep gently.
Is ginger ale necessary?
You can use sparkling water and add a dash of ginger syrup for spice.
How far ahead can I prep?
Make syrup days ahead and mix spritzer components a few hours before serving.
Can I serve this hot?
Gently warm bourbon and syrup, omit ice and ginger ale, and garnish as desired.
Final Thoughts
The Pear Bourbon Sage Spritzer is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors and effervescence. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Pear Bourbon Sage Spritzer
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 ginger cubes
- 4 –5 sage leaves
- 1½ oz bourbon
- 2 oz fresh pear juice
- 2 oz ginger ale
- 1 Tbsp ginger-sage syrup
- Pear slice & sage sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Make syrup: simmer water, sugar, ginger, and sage; steep; strain.
- Build spritzer: combine bourbon, pear juice, ginger ale, and syrup over ice.
- Garnish with pear and sage.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/pear-bourbon-sage-spritzer/
Notes
- Store leftover syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Use canned pear juice if fresh isn’t available, but opt for 100% juice for best flavor.
- Try it with smoked bourbon for a deeper, more complex profile.
