Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey is a wonderfully fragrant and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any cozy get-together. It features sweet pears, warm cinnamon, and a touch of honey that all blend beautifully with your favorite white wine. This sangria has a lovely balance of fruity sweetness and gentle spice that makes it stand out from the usual crowd.
I love making this sangria during the cooler months because the cinnamon and honey add such a comforting feel. Plus, the pears soak up all those flavors and get tender and juicy, which I think is a fun bonus to nibble on after enjoying the drink. I usually let it chill for a few hours or ideally overnight so all the flavors mix well—you really notice the difference!
My favorite way to serve this sangria is with some simple snacks like cheese and crackers or even a fresh apple and walnut salad. It goes great with casual evenings or even a holiday party when you want something a little different but still crowd-pleasing. If you’re looking for a drink that feels warm and special without being heavy, this pear sangria is a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best here. These wines are light and crisp, letting the pear and cinnamon flavors shine. If you prefer, try a dry sparkling wine for extra bubbles.
Pear Nectar/Juice: This adds natural sweetness and deep pear flavor. If you can’t find pear nectar, apple juice or white grape juice are fine substitutes. Just make sure it’s not too sweet.
Pears: Bartlett or Bosc pears are perfect because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. You can use other varieties, but avoid very soft or mushy pears as they break down too much.
Cinnamon: Both sticks and ground cinnamon add warm spice. The sticks infuse slowly in the sangria and make fun stirrers. If you don’t have sticks, just use ground cinnamon for rimming and a hint in the mix.
Honey: Honey gives a natural, gentle sweetness. If you’re vegan or allergic, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How Do You Get the Best Cinnamon Flavor Without Overpowering the Sangria?
Cinnamon is key for warmth but too much can be bitter. Here’s how to balance it:
- Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the pitcher for slow infusion. They release flavor gradually without overwhelming the drink.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours or overnight to let cinnamon flavor develop gently.
- Use ground cinnamon just for rimming glasses—not in the whole drink. This adds a subtle cinnamon scent and spice with every sip.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick—it looks nice and lets people stir their drink, boosting flavor gently.
With these steps, you keep cinnamon’s warmth clear and inviting, never sharp or bitter. Give it time and balance, and it becomes the perfect cozy touch to your pear sangria.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling your sangria all in one place.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing pears and lemons easy and safe.
- Cutting board – protects your surfaces while prepping fruit.
- Measuring spoons – help you add just the right amount of honey and spices.
- Glasses with rims – to showcase the cinnamon-sugar edge and keep the sangria stylish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap white wine for sparkling rosé for a pink hue and light bubbly touch, great for celebrations.
- Add thin apple slices for extra crunch and a fresh twist that complements pear well.
- Stir in a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling water to add a spicy kick.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, earthier sweetness, especially nice in fall.
How to Make Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 medium pear, thinly sliced (preferably Bartlett or Bosc)
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rimming the glasses)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: sparkling water or club soda, to top off
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation. Then, you’ll want to refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors come together. For the best taste, chilling it overnight is ideal. Serving and presentation take just a few minutes more.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Sangria Base:
Pour your dry white wine into a large pitcher. Add the pear nectar (or juice) and honey next. Gently stir until the honey is fully dissolved, mixing the sweetness evenly throughout.
2. Add Fruit and Cinnamon:
Place the thinly sliced pear and cinnamon sticks into the pitcher. If you like, add the lemon slices too—they add a fresh brightness to the drink. Give everything a little stir to combine.
3. Let It Chill:
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time lets the cinnamon infuse and the fruit flavors meld into the wine. If you can, make it the night before to deepen the flavor.
4. Prepare Glasses and Serve:
Just before serving, rim your glasses with water or honey, then dip them into ground cinnamon to add a spicy, aromatic edge. Fill each glass with ice cubes, pour the sangria over, adding some pear slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish and easy stirring.
5. Optional Refreshing Finish:
If you prefer a bubbly touch, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. This adds a lovely fizz that lightens the drink perfectly.
Enjoy your Spiced Pear Sangria with Cinnamon and Honey, a delicious drink that balances crisp fruit flavors with cozy warm spice and gentle sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Pears for This Sangria?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen pears completely before adding them to the sangria to avoid extra wateriness. They might be softer but will still infuse great flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again, and add fresh ice to keep it chilled.
Can I Make This Sangria Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! Use pear juice or a non-alcoholic white wine alternative combined with sparkling water or club soda. This keeps the fruity, spiced character without the alcohol.
What’s the Best Way to Rim the Glasses?
Use honey or a little water to moisten the rim, then dip it into ground cinnamon. This creates a lovely spiced edge that complements the sangria flavors beautifully.
