With pear nectar, fresh thyme and lime juice this wine cocktail is super refreshing and perfect for any time of year.
If you're a white wine lover, this Pear Cocktail with Chardonnay is a must-try!
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This was originally posted on April 1, 2015. I've since updated it to improve the flavor and taken new photos. The wine in this post was leftover from a previous sponsored post with Noble Vines.
You'll love this chardonnay cocktail
Wine cocktails are my favorite.
And while I'm not a huge fan of chardonnay (I'm a sauvignon blanc gal), I am a big fan of pear.
Pear nectar makes an awesome cocktail ingredient. It's sweet but not overly so. It's fruity, but in a somewhat generic way. It's a great mixer for just about anything.
I don't typically love the oak flavor found in most chardonnays. So when I come across recipes that call for white wine, I don't typically reach for chardonnay.
But this pear nectar cocktail seemed like the right recipe for it.
How to Make a Pear Mixed Drink with Chardonnay
Scroll down to the end of the post for a printable recipe card with full measurements and more detailed instructions.
The pear flavor is delicious. And because you are using a bottle of wine, it's just as easy to make one as it is to make 4! It's a great party drink idea to share with friends!
Ingredients
The ingredients are simple. You just need:
- pear nectar
- lime juice (plus a lime wedge for garnish)
- fresh thyme (reserve some for garnish)
- a sweetener (mine was agave syrup)
- chardonnay
- pumpkin pie spice
I love the Pear nectar that comes in a can. It makes it super easy to have on hand for cocktails whenever you want to make them. But they also sell it in larger bottles.
You could use pear juice instead, but it might change the flavor and consistency just slightly. Nectar tends to be a little bit thicker.
Fresh thyme is one of my favorite herbs to add to cocktails. It adds a subtle taste and freshness that helps to make this refreshing.
You absolutely could switch the type of wine used. If, like me, you are't in love with chardonnay, you could use sauvignon blanc, viognier, eeisling or even a blend.
If you use a sweeter wine, you may want to hold off on any sweetener until you taste it. You may not need it at all.
The pumpkin pie spice can sometimes lean towards being a fall flavor. But in this case, it helps to add a more complex flavor. Since it's a blend of spices, you are less likely to pick out individual tones and just get an overall spiced note.
You can skip it if you don't have it or simply use cinnamon instead.
Add lime juice and fresh thyme to a cocktail shaker.
Muddle the herbs to release their flavor.
But make sure you save a sprig or two for a garnish.
Add the chardonnay. Add the sweetener.
I used agave syrup. But you could substitute that with honey, simple syrup or even maple syrup.
I like to start with cold ingredients when possible. Doing that mean that the ice (when added in a second) will melt slightly slower and dilute the drink less.
Add the pumpkin pie spice, if using. And you should use it.
Add some ice. Toss on the shaker lid and give it a good shake.
Strain the chardonnay cocktail into a tall glass over fresh ice.
Garnish cocktail with a piece of lime and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Don't you just love the color? It's super refreshing. And the flavor of this chardonnay works really well with the pear and thyme flavor.
Wine is the only alcohol used in this recipe so it is a really light cocktail.
This would be a perfect drink to serve for a bridal shower or larger party where you are trying to keep your beverage budget in check.
You could always add a little vodka to make it more like a traditional cocktail.
More Pear Cocktails
- This Pear Sangria with White Wine is a fun one to share with friends!
- Make a Pear Ginger Spiced Rum Cocktail for a unique and flavorful drink.
- A Spiced Pear Bellini is great for a crowd and celebratory thanks to the sparkling wine.
- A Spiced Pear Moscow Mule is a great way to welcome spring!
- Serve a Pear Martini next time you want a tasty vodka cocktail.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Blood Orange Sorbet Gin Float (One of my most pinned cocktails!) It's both a cocktail and a dessert.
- This Grapefruit Hibiscus Vodka Soda Cocktail is tart and bubbly! You'll love it.
- A Strawberry Mint Moscow Mule is one of my favorite Moscow Mule variations.
- This is Best Champagne Punch Recipe and it's great for parties.
Or see my collections of Easy Cocktails, Moscow Mule Variations, and Vodka Cocktails.
Pear Cocktail with Chardonnay
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Chardonnay
- 2 oz. pear nectar
- 1 oz. lime juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup or agave syrup
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme reserve one for garnish
- ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker add lime juice and fresh thyme and muddle.
- Add pumpkin pie spice, sweetener of choice and wine.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain over fresh ice in a tall cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh lime and a sprig of thyme.
Notes
Nutrition
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jackiefo says
This looks amazing...could be on a fancy cocktail list at a restaurant! Is 9:17am on a Monday too early to whip this up???
Sharon Garofalow says
No way!!! It's a really light cocktail. You'll still be able to get things done. :)