Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a delightful drink that feels like fall in a glass. It’s a fresh mix of sweet pears, warm cinnamon, and just a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a delightful drink that feels like fall in a glass. It’s a fresh mix of sweet pears, warm cinnamon, and just a touch of honey to bring everything together. The sangria combines crisp fruit flavors with a gentle spice that makes each sip cozy and refreshing.
I love making this sangria when friends come over in the cooler months because it’s easy to prepare but tastes like you put in a lot of effort. The honey adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the pears and cinnamon. Plus, the aroma from the cinnamon sticks fills the room with a lovely, inviting scent.
For serving, I like to chill it well and add some sliced pears and a cinnamon stick in each glass for a pretty and tasty touch. It’s perfect for relaxing evenings or holiday gatherings when you want something special that still feels simple. This sangria always gets compliments, and I find myself reaching for it again and again as the weather cools down.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc add a crisp, light flavor that works well with fruit. If you prefer a sweeter or less dry sangria, try a Riesling or a dry Rosé.
Pears: Bartlett and Bosc pears are great for their sweetness and texture. If you can’t find these, Anjou pears also work nicely. Just make sure they’re ripe but firm so they hold up in the sangria.
Cinnamon: Whole cinnamon sticks give a gentle, slow-releasing spice to the drink. Ground cinnamon is perfect for the glass rim mix. If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, a pinch of ground cinnamon can be added directly to the mix.
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and depth. Feel free to swap it for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor or if you want a vegan-friendly option.
Brandy: This is optional but adds warmth and complexity. If you want to skip alcohol, simply leave it out, or replace it with apple juice or pear nectar for extra fruitiness.
How Can I Make the Pear Flavor Pop and Blend Well with Cinnamon?
The key is letting the sangria rest so the flavors mix and deepen. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the pears thinly to increase surface area for better flavor release.
- Combine pears with cinnamon sticks and honey in wine; the cinnamon infuses slowly.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible—this gives time for the pears to soften slightly and the spices to blend.
- When serving, gently stir to mix the flavors but avoid breaking the pear slices.
This process helps balance the fresh fruit with warm spices, making each sip flavorful and smooth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling the sangria all the flavors together.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the pears thinly and evenly for the best infusion.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace safe and clean while slicing fruit.
- Measuring cups and spoons – make it easy to add the right amount of honey, brandy, and spices.
- Long spoon or stirrer – for mixing the sangria gently without bruising the fruit.
- Small shallow plate – useful for mixing the cinnamon and sugar to rim the glasses.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pears for apples in fall for a tart, crisp twist that pairs well with cinnamon.
- Add a splash of ginger beer instead of club soda for a spicy fizz that lifts the flavors.
- Include star anise or cloves with cinnamon sticks to deepen warm spice notes.
- Replace brandy with spiced rum for a richer, sweeter alcohol flavor.
Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup brandy (optional)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours chilling time in the fridge to let the flavors mix well. For best taste, refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled with ice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sangria Ingredients:
In a large pitcher, gently combine the white wine, thinly sliced pears, cinnamon sticks, honey, brandy if using, and lemon juice. Stir softly to mix the flavors without bruising the fruit.
2. Chill to Infuse Flavors:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the pears infuse and the cinnamon warm the drink with its gentle spice.
3. Prepare Glasses:
On a shallow plate, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar. Wet the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mix to coat the edge nicely. This adds a sweet, spicy touch to every sip.
4. Serve Your Sangria:
Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes. Stir the sangria in the pitcher gently, then pour into the glasses. Make sure each glass gets a few pear slices and a cinnamon stick for a pretty, tasty garnish. Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda if you like a little fizz.
5. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy, fruity, and spiced pear sangria — perfect for autumn get-togethers or relaxing evenings.
Can I Use Frozen Pears for This Sangria?
While fresh pears are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen pears if needed. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to the sangria to avoid watering it down.
Can I Make Spiced Pear Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors develop even more. Just add sparkling water and ice right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store leftover sangria in a sealed container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, and add fresh ice and sparkling water if desired to refresh it.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of This Sangria?
Yes! If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey a little at a time and stir well. For less sweetness, reduce the honey or skip the brandy. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.