The Partridge In A Pear Tree cocktail is a festive favorite that wraps all the flavors of the holidays into one sparkling glass. Inspired by the iconic Christmas carol, this drink pairs spiced honey syrup, bourbon, pear brandy, and bubbly pear cider for a seasonal twist that’s equal parts cozy and classy.
Perfect for your holiday party lineup or a quiet fireside night in, this cocktail delivers warmth, brightness, and a subtle sparkle that feels just like December in a glass.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- 🍐 Packed with warm holiday spices
- 🥃 Uses both bourbon and pear brandy for layered flavor
- 🍯 Sweetened naturally with a homemade spiced honey syrup
- 🥂 Sparkling finish with pear hard cider (or non-alcoholic option)
- 🎄 A show-stopping name that’s perfect for festive hosting
Ingredients
For the Spiced Honey Syrup:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of grated nutmeg
For the Cocktail:
- 4 oz bourbon
- 2 oz pear brandy (e.g., St. George Spiced Pear)
- 1½ oz fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
- 2 oz spiced honey syrup
- Ice
- Sparkling pear hard cider (for topping)
Garnish:
- Thin pear slices
- Candied ginger or cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and spices. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat. Let steep for 15 minutes, then strain into a jar and chill.
- Shake the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add bourbon, pear brandy, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake until frosty (about 15 seconds).
- Serve: Strain into two cocktail glasses over fresh ice.
- Top off: Pour sparkling pear cider on top.
- Garnish: Add a pear slice and a piece of candied ginger or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Recipe Details
Servings: 2 cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Syrup Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Flavor Notes & Tips
- This drink is aromatic and spiced, with mellow pear and bourbon warmth
- Spiced syrup adds depth and can be made up to 1 month ahead
- Use chilled sparkling cider to preserve bubbles
- For a less boozy version, reduce bourbon to 3 oz or use more cider
- Non-alcoholic variation: Use apple juice + non-alcoholic pear cider in place of spirits
Variations
- Cider Swap: Use sparkling apple cider or Prosecco
- Spirit Change: Try rye whiskey or spiced rum instead of bourbon
- Citrus Twist: Add orange bitters or substitute lemon with lime
FAQs
Q: Can I make the syrup in advance?
Yes! It lasts up to a month in the fridge in a sealed container.
Q: Can this be served in a large batch?
Absolutely. Multiply ingredients for a pitcher (except cider). Shake or stir, then top each glass with cider when serving.
Q: What’s the best pear brandy?
St. George Spiced Pear is a top pick, but any pear liqueur works!
Partridge In A Pear Tree
Equipment
- Saucepan
- – Cocktail shaker
- – Strainer
- – 2 cocktail glasses
Ingredients
- **Spiced Honey Syrup**
- – ¼ cup honey
- – ¼ cup water
- – ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- – ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- – Pinch of nutmeg
- **Cocktail**
- – 4 oz bourbon
- – 2 oz pear brandy
- – 1½ oz lemon juice
- – 2 oz spiced honey syrup
- – Ice
- – Sparkling pear cider
- **Garnish**
- – Pear slice
- – Candied ginger or cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Combine syrup ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer, remove from heat, and steep 15 min. Strain and chill.
- In a shaker with ice, add bourbon, brandy, lemon juice, and syrup. Shake 15 seconds.
- Strain into 2 glasses with ice.
- Top each with sparkling pear cider.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
– Make in batches for parties
– Sub apple cider or Prosecco as needed
Conclusion
The Partridge In A Pear Tree cocktail is more than a clever name—it’s a holiday standout that blends warming spices, crisp fruit, and a cheerful fizz. Whether you’re clinking glasses at a holiday soirée or watching snow fall from your kitchen window, this cocktail brings all the sparkle and soul of the season.