Cinnamon Pear Cider (Print)
Warming pear and cinnamon spiced cider, perfect for cozy nights and holiday celebrations.
# Ingredient list:
→ Fruits
01 - 4 ripe pears, cored and sliced
02 - 1 medium apple, cored and sliced (optional, for depth of flavor)
→ Liquids
03 - 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Spices & Sweeteners
06 - 2 cinnamon sticks
07 - 4 whole cloves
08 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
# Directions:
01 - In a large saucepan, combine pears, apple (if using), apple cider, water, and lemon juice.
02 - Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir to combine evenly throughout the liquid.
03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent overflow.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the fruit is very tender and the flavors are well blended.
05 - Remove from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cider into a heatproof pitcher or bowl, pressing on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
06 - Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste while the cider is still hot, ensuring complete dissolution.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or pear slice if desired. For spiked version, add 1 oz brandy or bourbon per serving just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The whole house smells like cinnamon and comfort within minutes of putting it on the stove
- It transforms basic grocery store pears into something that feels like a special occasion
- Warm fruit cider hits different than hot chocolate, lighter but still cozy
02 -
- Pressing the fruit through the strainer is where half the flavor lives, do not skip this step or you are wasting all that simmered fruit goodness
- The cider will seem thin at first but the strained fruit pulp adds body you cannot get from spices alone
03 -
- Buy pears a few days ahead and let them soften on the counter, they will break down faster and release more flavor
- Taste before adding sweetener, some pears are naturally sugary enough on their own