Pear Simple Syrup

This pear simple syrup has a gentle pear flavor that doesn’t feel heavy or too sweet. It’s an easy syrup that gives a fruity sweetness to cocktails, mocktails, and other refreshing drinks. Only 3 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes!

This fruit syrup is subtle and aromatic, which makes it especially popular in drinks where you don’t want an overpowering fruit taste. You can get similar flavors in my apple simple syrup or if you want something with added warmth try this apple and cinnamon syrup.

Ingredients

• Sweetener: white granulated sugar
• Water: filtered or plain water
• Flavor component: sweet ripe pear

Tip: Use a fragrant pear variety such as Bartlett, Conference, or Anjou for the best flavor.

Syrup ratio

Use a 1:1 simple syrup ratio (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water). This makes a light pear syrup that’s easy to pour and good for drinks or sweetening things.

Or a 2:1 simple syrup (2 cups sugar and 1 cup water). This makes a thicker, sweeter syrup that’s great for desserts, glazes, or when you want it to last longer.

How to make pear simple syrup

Start by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until fully dissolved.

Next, you wanna add chopped pear and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure not to boil it.

Then remove from the heat and allow it steep for 15 minutes.

Strain the syrup using a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently on the pear with a back of a spoon to extract more flavor. Make sure not to get the pulp!

Let it cool completely and transfer to a sterilized glass bottle.

Flavor notes

• Sweetness: light and rounded
• Primary note: ripe pear (juicy, floral, honeyed)
• Secondary notes: subtle vanilla-like warmth and fresh fruit aroma
• Overall profile: soft, elegant, and comforting

How to use pear syrup

• Cocktails & mocktails: sweeten drinks like whiskey sours, gin fizzes, or pear mojitos with a gentle pear flavor.
• Tea and coffee: drizzle into hot tea, iced tea, or coffee for a fruity twist.
• Desserts: pour over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt for extra flavor.
• For baking: use in cakes, muffins, or cookies as a sugar substitute to add moisture and pear essence.
• Salad dressings: mix with vinegar and oil to create a sweet, fruity vinaigrette for green salads.
• Marinades and glazes: combine with soy sauce or mustard for glazes on chicken, or roasted vegetables.
• Sauces – stir into cooked fruit or berry sauces to enhance sweetness and depth.

Storage & shelf life

Pear simple syrup should be stored in a clean, airtight glass container. Refrigeration is necessary to maintain the freshness. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as in ice cube trays, and then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for longer-term storage.

The shelf life depends on the syrup ratio used:

• Basic simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water): up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• When stored in the freezer, pear syrup can last up to 6 months.

Before you use the syrup, check that it doesn’t look cloudy, smell strange, or have any mold. Always use clean spoons so the syrup stays good for longer.

Variations

• Spiced pear: add a small cinnamon stick during simmering.
• Ginger pear: add a few thin slices of fresh ginger for warmth.
• Vanilla pear: steep with half a vanilla pod for a creamy aroma.
• Lemon-bright pear: add a strip of lemon zest while steeping for lift.

Frequently asked questions