Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe

If you’re thinking about a drink that’s both festive and refreshing, you’ve got to try the Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall gathering, these spritzers blend the warm spice of bourbon with crisp pear and a touch of herbal ginger sage syrup—making each sip feel like a little celebration. I love how approachable this recipe is; you can whip it up quickly but still impress your guests with something shimmering and fragrant.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe
• Ingredient Spotlight
• Step-by-Step: How to Make It
• Pro Tips
• Variations & Substitutions
• Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
• Serving Ideas & Pairings
• FAQs
• Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
• Printable Recipe 📖

Ingredient Spotlight

To nail the Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe every time, focus on fresh pear juice and that unique ginger sage simple syrup. These are the stars behind the flavors. If you can’t find fresh pear juice, I have some tips below for substitutions that keep your cocktail bright and balanced.

• Bourbon: Choose a mid-shelf bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel for warmth without overpowering the pear.
• Fresh Pear Juice: Fresh-pressed is best, but good-quality pear juice from the store works in a pinch.
• Ginger Sage Simple Syrup: Homemade with frozen ginger cubes and sage leaves adds a wonderful herbal zing and freshness you won’t get boxed.

Seasonality & Sourcing

Look for ripe pears during autumn when they’re juiciest and sweetest—this makes a huge difference in your spritzer’s flavor. Local farmers' markets often have beautiful pears you can juice at home or buy freshly pressed juice nearby. For the ginger sage syrup, frozen ginger cubes work well year-round and fresh sage is typically at its peak in fall but is available in most grocery stores. Buying organic or local sage can boost that herbal smell and taste.

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

Step 1 — Prep & Preheat

Start by making your ginger sage simple syrup. Combine equal parts water and sugar (I use 1 cup each)—then add frozen ginger cubes and sage leaves. Heat gently on medium until the sugar dissolves and the syrup smells fragrant, about 5 minutes. Don’t boil vigorously; you want to infuse flavor gently without burning the sugar. Set this aside to cool completely.

Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor

Once the syrup is cool, assemble the spritzers. In a glass, pour 1 ½ ounces of bourbon and 1 tablespoon of the ginger sage syrup. Add 2 ounces of fresh pear juice and 2 ounces of ginger ale. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding extra syrup if you like it sweeter. If your pear juice feels flat, a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten the whole drink.

Step 3 — Finish & Rest

Garnish your spritzers with thin pear slices and a fresh sage leaf. Serve immediately to keep the ginger ale bubbly and refreshing. If you let the spritzers sit too long, you’ll notice the sparkling fizz fades, so it’s best to prepare just before guests arrive or right before enjoying yourself. That fresh herbal scent from the sage garnish really punches up the sensory experience.

Troubleshooting Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe

If your spritzers end up too sweet, add a splash of soda water or extra ginger ale. If they taste a bit flat or dull, fresh pear juice or a small squeeze of lemon juice amps brightness. Too strong on the bourbon? Simply add more ginger ale or pear juice for balance. And if the ginger sage syrup feels weak, simmer for a few more minutes next time with a bit more ginger for a deeper flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

For a twist, swap bourbon for spiced rum or traditional whiskey to suit your mood—each adds a different cozy note. If you want a non-alcoholic version, simply omit bourbon and add more ginger ale and pear juice with a splash of club soda for fizz. For those watching sugar, reduce the simple syrup by a third or replace with a little honey syrup for a floral touch.

Great Debates

One debate often pops up: should your spritzers be more boozy or leaning into the sparkling? I personally like a moderate bourbon presence to let pear and ginger shine through without overpowering. Some prefer a drier spritz with less syrup, while others love it sweeter and more like a cocktail dessert. Either way, adjust to your taste—it’s a drink for the season, not a strict formula.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

The ginger sage simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in your fridge for up to two weeks. Keep pear juice chilled and fresh—store any leftovers in airtight bottles for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing the fresh pear juice or spritzers themselves, as the texture and carbonation won’t hold up well. Instead, prep syrup and juice freshly when you can.

Yield & Conversions

This Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe yields one cocktail—feel free to double or triple as needed. For metric conversions: bourbon 45 ml, pear juice 60 ml, ginger ale 60 ml, and simple syrup 15 ml per serving. Scaling is easy; just keep the ratios consistent for best flavor balance.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve these spritzers alongside your Thanksgiving feast or fall appetizers like roasted nuts, sharp cheeses, or charcuterie. The herbal notes from sage and pear pair beautifully with roasted turkey or pork dishes, and the effervescent fizz cleanses the palate between bites. A pear and sage garnish really finishes each glass with a lovely aroma that guests will notice.

FAQs

Notes, Tools & Special Equipment

To prepare this Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritzers Recipe, a small saucepan for the syrup is essential. A fine mesh strainer helps remove ginger and sage bits for a smooth syrup. If you want to juice your own pears, a handheld citrus juicer or small electric juicer works best. No fancy cocktail shaker is needed here—just a good sturdy glass for mixing and serving. For accurate pours, a jigger or small measuring cup will keep your drink perfectly balanced.

Print

Printable Recipe 📖