Partridge In A Pear Tree is a holiday cocktail that tastes like Christmas in a glass. Built on a base of bourbon and pear brandy, balanced with lemon juice and a homemade spiced honey syrup, and finished with sparkling pear cider, this drink brings cozy warmth and effervescent cheer to your seasonal celebrations.
Partridge In A Pear Tree is more than a clever nod to a holiday carol—it’s the ultimate December cocktail. Inspired by winter flavors, this drink blends rich bourbon and pear brandy with a warming mix of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg-infused honey syrup. Topped with bubbly pear cider and garnished with fresh pear or candied ginger, it’s festive, flavorful, and designed to impress at any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re decorating the tree, hosting friends, or curling up by the fire, this cocktail offers the perfect mix of spice, citrus, and sweetness.
Table of Contents
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and festive for Christmas parties
- Warm spice flavors with fresh citrus tang
- Can be made ahead with pre-prepped syrup
- Easily scaled for a group or holiday punch bowl
- Garnish makes it visually stunning
Love holiday cocktails? Try the Fireside Negroni or a cozy Peppermint White Russian.
🛒 Ingredients
Spiced Honey Syrup
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg
Cocktail (for 2 servings)
- 4 oz bourbon
- 2 oz pear brandy (e.g. spiced pear liqueur)
- 1½ oz fresh lemon juice (more to taste)
- 2 oz spiced honey syrup
- Sparkling pear hard cider (to top)
- Ice
Garnish (optional)
- Thin pear slices
- Candied ginger
🍹 Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, bring honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a jar and cool.
- Shake the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon, pear brandy, lemon juice, and 2 oz spiced honey syrup. Shake until well chilled and frosty.
- Assemble: Divide the bourbon mixture between two glasses. Add ice and top each glass with sparkling pear cider.
- Garnish: Add a pear slice and candied ginger to each glass, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time (syrup): 5 minutes + 15-minute steep
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
🧮 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Alcohol: ~15–18% ABV
Nutritional data may vary depending on cider and spirits used.
🥂 Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Spiced honey syrup lasts up to 1 month refrigerated
- Non-alcoholic: Sub bourbon and brandy with pear juice + a dash of bitters or zero-proof whiskey
- Batch for a crowd: Multiply ingredients by 4–6 and serve in a punch bowl with ice ring
- Add bubbles: Use sparkling white wine or Prosecco instead of cider for a boozier twist
- Use fresh spices: Steep whole cinnamon sticks or ginger slices in the syrup for a richer flavor
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: What’s the best pear brandy to use?
Look for spiced pear liqueurs like St. George or Rothman & Winter for a warm, fruity note.
Q: Can I use apple cider instead of pear?
Absolutely—it changes the flavor slightly but still feels festive and seasonal.
Q: Can I make this as a punch?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients and chill in a pitcher. Top with chilled pear cider just before serving.
Q: How strong is this drink?
It’s well-balanced—stronger than a mimosa but smoother than a straight spirit. Adjust with cider to your taste.
Partridge In A Pear Tree
Equipment
- – Saucepan
- – Fine mesh strainer
- Cocktail shaker
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- **Spiced Honey Syrup**
- – ¼ cup honey
- – ¼ cup water
- – ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- – ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- – Pinch grated nutmeg
- **Cocktail 2 servings**
- – 4 oz bourbon
- – 2 oz pear brandy
- – 1½ oz fresh lemon juice
- – 2 oz spiced honey syrup
- – Sparkling pear cider
- – Ice
- **Garnish optional**
- – Thin pear slices
- – Candied ginger
Instructions
- Combine honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Simmer, then steep 15 mins. Strain and cool.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, pear brandy, lemon juice, and syrup. Shake with ice.
- Divide between two glasses. Add ice and top with sparkling pear cider.
- Garnish with pear slice and candied ginger.
Notes
– Use zero-proof alternatives for non-alcoholic version
– Sparkling wine or soda water also work in place of cider
🍽 Conclusion
Partridge In A Pear Tree is the kind of cocktail that makes a holiday feel special. With its spiced honey syrup, bold bourbon, and pear-bright bubbles, it’s an unforgettable drink to toast the season. Whether you’re hosting or unwinding, this cocktail brings a little magic to your glass.