There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of Caramel Pear Cider when the leaves are crisp and the evenings start to settle in. This recipe is the coziest sort of crowd-pleaser—a brilliant blend of apple, sweet ripe pear, mellow caramel, and warming spices that capture all the best flavors of fall. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game night, or simply want something comforting after a brisk walk, this Caramel Pear Cider guarantees your guests will ask for the recipe (and maybe a second pour or three).

Caramel Pear Cider Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One magical thing about Caramel Pear Cider is how a handful of easy-to-find, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can transform into something surprisingly special. Each one brings its own character—think velvety smooth caramel, crisp orchard-fresh apple, and just a hint of mature warmth from pear liqueur. Here’s how everything comes together:

Apple Cider (64 ounces): The heart of the drink, providing natural sweetness and a fruity, robust base.
Pear Hard Cider (2 bottles, 12 ounces each): Adds an effervescent kick, plus extra pear flavor for depth and brightness.
Caramel Syrup (1/2 cup): Melts perfectly into the cider, lending a buttery richness and golden sweetness.
Mulling Spices (2 tablespoons): Essential for that unmistakable, cozy spice—think cinnamon, cloves, and allspice rounding out the flavors.
Cinnamon Sticks (2): Perfume the whole batch with classic spice and double as pretty swizzle sticks later.
Pear Liqueur (1 cup): This brings a smooth, grown-up edge and emphasizes the autumn pear notes.
Sliced Pear and Cinnamon Sticks (to garnish): Make each mug look celebratory and elegant in the simplest way.

How to Make Caramel Pear Cider

Step 1: Bundle Your Mulling Spices

Start off by spooning the mulling spices into a spice bag (or just tie them up in cheesecloth if you don’t have a dedicated bag handy). This ensures all the flavor infuses right into your Caramel Pear Cider without any floating bits to dodge later.

Step 2: Combine Everything in Your Pot

Grab a sturdy Dutch oven or a big, heavy-bottomed saucepan, and pour in the apple cider. Add the pear hard cider, caramel syrup, bagged mulling spices, and those inviting cinnamon sticks. Give it a gentle stir to get everything happily mingling.

Step 3: Simmer Slowly

Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat—aim for steamy rather than a rolling boil. Let it do its thing for about an hour, so the spices have time to infuse every drop with autumn magic.

Step 4: Remove Spices and Finish

Lift out the mulling spice bag and discard it. Right before serving, stir in the pear liqueur and drop in a handful of fresh pear slices. The aroma will make everyone gravitate to the kitchen, guaranteed.

Step 5: Serve and Keep Warm

Ladle your Caramel Pear Cider into mugs or heatproof glasses while it’s wonderfully warm. Keep any remaining cider on low heat, covered, so everyone can refill as the festivities continue.

How to Serve Caramel Pear Cider

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, float a thin pear slice in each mug, add a cinnamon stick for stirring, or even a swirl of fresh whipped cream for a little extra decadence. These simple garnishes make each serving look thoughtfully crafted and super inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Pear Cider with a cheese board full of sharp cheddar, brie, or blue cheese, plus some toasted nuts and crisp apple slices. Buttery shortbread or ginger snaps are a dream alongside the caramel notes, making your table feel every bit as festive as the beverage itself.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, try ladling the Caramel Pear Cider directly from a rustic Dutch oven or an elegant punch bowl. For smaller gatherings, serve it in glass mugs with caramel-drizzled rims or even pour over ice for a chilly twist that’s just as flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously end up with leftover Caramel Pear Cider, simply let it cool to room temperature and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making easy sipping or future celebrations a breeze.

Freezing

Caramel Pear Cider can absolutely be frozen if you’d like to save some for later. Pour fully cooled cider into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to bring your Caramel Pear Cider back to life, pour it into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can dull the lovely flavors and evaporate the pear liqueur.

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Pear Cider without alcohol?

Absolutely! Swap out the pear hard cider for regular pear juice or sparkling apple cider, and replace the pear liqueur with extra pear juice. The result will be just as delicious and totally family-friendly.

What if I can’t find caramel syrup?

No worries—homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche can work wonderfully. Just be sure to dissolve it fully for smooth, sweet results in your Caramel Pear Cider.

Is it possible to use fresh pears instead of pear liqueur?

Fresh pears lend lovely sweetness and texture, but they don’t bring the same concentrated flavor or gentle warmth. If you skip the liqueur, consider steeping extra pear slices longer and adding a splash of vanilla for richness.

Can I make Caramel Pear Cider in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply combine all the ingredients (hold the pear liqueur and fresh pears until the end) and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir in the liqueur and pear slices just before serving for ultimate flavor and freshness.

What’s the best way to keep Caramel Pear Cider warm for a party?

A slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting works wonders, or you can use a heatproof punch bowl over a pot of simmering water. This way, guests can help themselves to cup after cup of cozy comfort.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe, I hope you dive right into the world of Caramel Pear Cider and discover how easily it turns any gathering into something special. Whether for a celebration or just a quiet night in, it’ll warm hands, hearts, and spirits in the best way. Give it a try and let it become your new fall classic.

Caramel Pear Cider Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this Caramel Pear Cider, a delightful twist on traditional apple cider infused with the sweetness of ripe pears and a hint of caramel. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cider:

1 container (64 ounces) pure apple cider
2 bottles (12 ounces each) pear hard cider
1/2 cup caramel syrup
2 tablespoons mulling spices (in a spice bag)
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup pear liqueur

For Garnish:

Sliced pear
Cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

Prepare the Spice Bag: Fill a spice bag with mulling spices.
Combine Ingredients: In a 4-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the apple cider, pear hard cider, caramel syrup, spice bag, and cinnamon sticks. Stir and simmer covered for an hour.
Remove Spices: Discard the spice bag after simmering.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the pear liqueur and add pear slices. Serve hot or keep warm on low heat.