Spiced Pear Mule – When autumn’s chill begins to set in, few drinks embody the warmth and coziness of the season like a Spiced Pear Mule. This cocktail is a creative twist on the classic Moscow Mule, replacing lime and mint with the comforting flavors of pear and warm spices. Made with vodka, fresh pear juice, ginger beer, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, this cocktail brings together sweet, spicy, and crisp notes in perfect harmony.

The pear is often overlooked in cocktail recipes, yet its naturally light sweetness and delicate floral notes pair beautifully with vodka’s neutrality and ginger beer’s fiery kick. Adding spices like cinnamon, clove, or star anise elevates the drink, making it ideal for fall and winter gatherings. Whether served at a holiday party, an autumn wedding, or a cozy night in, the Spiced Pear Mule offers a sophisticated seasonal twist that’s both refreshing and warming.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes (best served immediately)
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Cuisine: American / Seasonal Cocktails
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Course: Beverages / Cocktails
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Servings: 2 drinks
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Calories: ~200 kcal per serving
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect Spiced Pear Mule, you’ll need:
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Copper Mugs (traditional mule serving vessel, keeps the drink chilled)
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Cocktail Shaker (optional, for mixing ingredients smoothly)
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Bar Spoon (for stirring)
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Jigger (for precise measurements)
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Muddler (if using fresh pear slices or spices)
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Fine Mesh Strainer (to strain pear juice if making fresh at home)
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Knife and Cutting Board (for garnishes like pear slices or cinnamon sticks)
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
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3 oz (90 ml) vodka
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4 oz (120 ml) pear juice (fresh or store-bought)
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1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
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6 oz (180 ml) ginger beer (spicy preferred)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
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Ice cubes
Nutrition
Nutrient |
Amount (Approx.)
|
Calories | 200 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Sugars | 19 g |
Protein | 0.5 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 12 mg |
Potassium | 180 mg |
Alcohol |
~14 g (from vodka)
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pear Juice
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If using fresh pears, peel and core 2 ripe pears, then blend until smooth.
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract fresh pear juice.
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If using bottled pear juice, ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugar for the best taste.
Step 2: Mix the Base
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In a cocktail shaker (or directly in the copper mug), combine vodka, pear juice, lime juice, and cinnamon.
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Shake briefly to blend flavors. If not using a shaker, stir vigorously.
Step 3: Assemble the Mule
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Fill copper mugs with ice cubes.
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Pour the pear-vodka mixture over the ice.
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Top with chilled ginger beer, giving it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
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Add pear slices on the rim or float them in the drink.
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Insert a cinnamon stick for aroma and extra spice.
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Optionally, drop a star anise pod for an elegant touch.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your Spiced Pear Mule while it’s crisp and cold.

Flavor Profile and Pairings
The Spiced Pear Mule combines multiple layers of taste:
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Sweetness: from the pear juice
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Warm spice: from cinnamon or nutmeg
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Citrus tang: from lime juice
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Spicy fizz: from ginger beer
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Smooth kick: from vodka
Perfect Pairings:
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Autumn cheese boards (brie, sharp cheddar, gouda)
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Roasted nuts or spiced pecans
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Charcuterie spreads with prosciutto and figs
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Desserts like apple crisp, pear tart, or cinnamon rolls
Tips for the Best Spiced Pear Mule
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Choose ripe pears – If making fresh juice, ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears give the sweetest, most fragrant flavor.
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Balance the spice – Start with a small pinch of cinnamon; you can always add more. Over-spicing may overpower the pear’s subtle sweetness.
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Upgrade your ginger beer – Go for a high-quality, spicy ginger beer rather than overly sweet soda versions.
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Try flavored vodkas – Vanilla or pear-flavored vodka enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Batch it for parties – Multiply the recipe and serve in a large pitcher for gatherings. Add ginger beer just before serving to keep the fizz.
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Non-alcoholic version – Omit vodka and replace with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
Variations
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Spiced Pear Mule with Bourbon: Swap vodka for bourbon to deepen the warmth and add richness.
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Holiday Mule: Add cranberry juice alongside pear for a festive twist.
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Herbal Mule: Infuse pear juice with rosemary or thyme for an earthy edge.
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Sparkling Mule: Replace part of the ginger beer with prosecco for a bubbly finish.
Conclusion
The Spiced Pear Mule is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience that captures the essence of fall in a glass. By combining the sweetness of pears, the zing of ginger beer, and the warmth of autumn spices, this drink is perfect for cozy nights by the fire, holiday dinners, or festive gatherings. Its versatility allows you to adjust flavors to your taste, experiment with garnishes, and even create mocktail versions for all to enjoy