Spiced Apple-Pear Cider: Cider & Spice and Everything Nice
Pear Up with Flavor, Apple-solutely Divine
Autumn doesn’t just knock—it barges in with a mug of this Spiced Apple-Pear Cider. It’s cider & spice and everything nice, with apples and pears playing tag-team in a pot of cozy warmth. Fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks stir up the drama, while citrus slices keep things zesty. Add pear nectar for sweetness and a splash of bourbon if you’re feeling bold—because let’s be honest, pour decisions are the best kind of fall tradition.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s a mood. Sip it fireside, serve it at your holiday table, or pair it with Caramel Apple Cider Float for a double dose of autumn indulgence. One mug and you’ll be convinced: cider season is unbe-leaf-ably delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy blend of apples, pears, citrus, and warming spices
- Optional bourbon for festive flair
- Quick to make, but tastes like you fussed
- Perfect for entertaining or winding down
- Pairs beautifully with Caramel Apple Cider Float or Hot Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 1 qt apple cider
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced
- 1 small lemon, seeded, thinly sliced
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2″ x 1″ piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- ½ pear, cored and cut into thin wedges
- ½ apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 16 whole cloves
- 1 cup pear nectar
- ½ cup bourbon (optional)
How to Make Spiced Apple-Pear Cider
Step 1: Simmer the Base
In a nonreactive pot, combine apple cider, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Use a slotted spoon to remove the citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and ginger.
Step 2: Add Fruit & Finish
Add pear and apple wedges along with cloves to the pot. Simmer for 2 minutes until the fruit softens slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup, reserving the fruit for garnish. Stir in pear nectar and bourbon (if using). Reheat gently if needed. Serve warm, garnished with reserved fruit slices. Makes 8 servings.
Expert Tips
- Simmer longer for deeper spice infusion
- Use firm, fresh fruit for best texture
- Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup
- For gatherings, keep warm in a slow cooker on low
Variations & Creative Twists
- Swap bourbon for dark rum or brandy
- Add star anise or nutmeg for extra warmth
- Make it kid-friendly by skipping the booze
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or citrus peel twist
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in heatproof mugs with a cinnamon stick stirrer
- Pair with Apple Cider Brined Turkey for a full fall feast
- Enjoy with Cranberry Apple Cider for a cider tasting flight
- Sip alongside breakfast breads or Caramel Apple Cider Float for dessert
FAQs
Can I make this cider ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the base and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat and add pear nectar and bourbon before serving.
Can I skip the bourbon? Absolutely. It’s delicious without alcohol and still full of cozy flavor.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider? You can, but fresh cider offers a richer, more complex taste.
More Fall Cider Recipe Ideas
- Cozy cocktails: Apple Cider Rum Cocktail
- Brunch pairing: Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe
- More cider recipes to explore:
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple-Pear Cider is your go-to fall elixir—warming, fragrant, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or curling up solo, this cider delivers comfort in every sip. Serve it hot, spike it if you like, and let the aroma fill your kitchen with seasonal joy.
Spiced Apple-Pear Cider: Cider & Spice and Everything Nice
Warm up your fall with this spiced apple-pear cider. Apples and pears mingle with fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and citrus slices, then sweetened with pear nectar. Add bourbon for a festive twist if desired. Serve it with desserts like Caramel Apple Cider Float or alongside a Cranberry Apple Cider for the ultimate autumn experience.
Ingredients
- 1 qt apple cider
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced
- 1 small lemon, seeded, thinly sliced
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2" x 1" piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- ½ pear, cored and cut into thin wedges
- ½ apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 16 whole cloves
- 1 cup pear nectar
- ½ cup bourbon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Steep the Cider and Fruit In a nonreactive pot, combine apple cider, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and ginger with a slotted spoon.
Step 2: Garnish and Finish Add pear and apple wedges along with cloves. Simmer for 2 minutes until fruit softens slightly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup, reserving fruit slices for garnish. Stir in pear nectar and bourbon if desired. Reheat gently if necessary and serve warm, garnished with reserved fruit.
Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, simmer cider a few extra minutes. Use firm, fresh fruit for best texture and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Expert Tips / Notes:
- Non-alcoholic option: skip the bourbon for a kid-friendly version.
- Add star anise or nutmeg for additional warmth.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker on low during gatherings.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve in heatproof mugs with a cinnamon stick stirrer. Pair with Apple Cider Brined Turkey for a full autumn feast or enjoy alongside a Caramel Apple Cider Float for dessert.
More Cozy Cider Recipes to Try:
- For a cozy cocktail twist, try our Apple Cider Rum Cocktail alongside this cider.
- Pair it with a Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe for a fall tasting flight.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 3g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.