# Pear Cinnamon Tequila > A bright autumnal smash that pairs ripe pear with warm cinnamon and crisp blanco tequila. Easy to make for a small gathering, this cocktail balances mellow fruit, cozy spice and a touch of effervescence for an approachable seasonal drink. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/pear-cinnamon-tequila-smash ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 25, 2026 Last Updated: September 24, 2026 ## About This Recipe Pear Cinnamon Tequila is a low-fuss seasonal smash that leans into the quiet sweetness of ripe pears and the cozy lift of cinnamon without turning syrupy or cloying. Using a quick cinnamon simple syrup—rather than whole ground spice—keeps the texture bright and clean, while a pinch of flaky sea salt wakes up the pear’s natural florals. Crushed ice and an optional splash of club soda preserve a spritely mouthfeel, so each sip feels like autumn light rather than a heavy dessert cocktail. This particular version works because it balances three things deliberately: fresh fruit, principled sweetness, and a crisp blanco tequila that preserves the pear’s delicate aromatics. It’s approachable for guests who don’t normally drink straight spirits but still satisfying for tequila lovers who want something seasonal. Make it for an intimate weekend gathering, a porch-side aperitif, or to accompany savory fall snacks—served cold and immediately, it plays as easily with roasted root vegetables as it does with a plate of sharp cheese and honeyed nuts. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 20 minutes - Servings: 4 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Make the cinnamon simple syrup - 1/2 cup Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup Water - 3 stick Cinnamon sticks ### Muddle the pear base - 2 medium Ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), peeled, cored and diced - 2 fl oz Fresh lime juice - a pinch Flaky sea salt ### Combine with tequila and chill - 8 fl oz Silver (blanco) tequila - 4 cups Crushed ice ### Strain and finish the cocktails - 6 fl oz Club soda (optional, to top) - 4 slices Thin pear slices, for garnish ## Instructions ### 1. Make the cinnamon simple syrup Combine the granulated sugar, water and two of the cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 3–5 minutes to infuse, then remove from heat, let cool until warm and discard one cinnamon stick; refrigerate any extra syrup for up to 2 weeks. ### 2. Muddle the pear base In a cocktail shaker or a sturdy mixing glass, add the diced pears, fresh lime juice, a generous pinch of flaky sea salt and 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of the cooled cinnamon syrup you made. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press and crush the pears until they release juice and form a coarse purée with the syrup and lime. ### 3. Combine with tequila and chill Add the silver tequila and a handful of crushed ice to the shaker, then cap and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and lightly dilute. If you prefer a more rustic smash, use a spoon to fold and crush the mixture once more instead of a hard shake. ### 4. Strain and finish the cocktails Double-strain the mixture into four rocks glasses filled with fresh crushed ice to remove large fruit bits, dividing evenly. Top each glass with a splash (about 1.5 oz / 45 ml) of club soda if desired and garnish with a thin pear slice and the remaining cinnamon stick. ### 5. Adjust and serve Taste one glass and, if needed, add a dash more cinnamon syrup for sweetness or a squeeze more lime for brightness. Serve immediately so the pear remains fresh and the cinnamon aroma is prominent. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving (approx. 360g)): - Calories: 286 kcal - Protein: 0.5 g - Carbohydrates: 41.1 g - Fat: 0.2 g - Saturated Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 3.9 g - Sugar: 33.6 g - Added Sugars: 25 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 86.8 mg - Potassium: 126.4 mg - Calcium: 35.7 mg - Iron: 0.3 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Choose ripe but firm pears Bosc or slightly underripe Bartletts have the best texture for muddling—too ripe and they become mealy and gummy in the shaker. ### Muddle gently and efficiently Press to macerate the pear until it yields juice but avoid pulverizing into a puree to keep a pleasant grain and avoid excessive pectin release. ### Control sweetness with syrup Start with the recipe’s 2 tablespoons of cinnamon syrup and add more to taste after tasting a strained glass, since pear ripeness changes sweetness. ### Double-strain for texture Use a fine mesh strainer over a cocktail strainer to remove fibrous bits and seeds for a smoother sip that still holds fresh pear flavor. ### Watch dilution carefully Use crushed ice for the proper chill and immediate dilution, but don’t let the drink sit too long or it will water down and lose its aroma. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Smoky Mezcal Twist Swap the blanco tequila for mezcal (same volume) to add a whisper of smoke that contrasts nicely with pear and cinnamon. ### Reposado Depth Use reposado tequila for a richer, oak-tinged backbone—reduce the cinnamon syrup slightly to keep the drink from becoming syrup-heavy. ### Non-Alcoholic Shrub Make a pear-cinnamon shrub by combining pear purée, the cinnamon syrup, and apple cider vinegar to taste, then top with club soda for a bright mocktail. ### Maple Cinnamon Swap Replace half the simple syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper caramel note that pairs beautifully with Bosc pears. ### Spiced Winter Version Add a small pinch of ground cardamom or a crushed star anise to the syrup while it simmers for an aromatic, holiday-forward variation. ## Notes This easy smash is perfect for cozy fall evenings or casual dinner parties — it’s forgiving to make and highlights pear’s delicate sweetness against warming cinnamon. Home cooks will appreciate the short ingredient list and the option to make the syrup ahead. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Cinnamon simple syrup stores well in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks; reheat gently if it crystallizes. Prepared pear-muddled base is best used within 24 hours refrigerated—pear purée oxidizes and will darken and lose brightness after that. Assembled cocktails don’t keep: make-and-serve over fresh crushed ice rather than bottling, and avoid reheating or refreezing mixed drinks. ### Serving Suggestions Serve alongside a small board of sharp cheddar or aged gouda, honeycomb, and toasted walnuts to echo the cocktail’s sweet-spicy profile. For heartier fare, pair with roasted pork sliders or a warm squash tart; the drink’s acidity and cinnamon cut through fat and amplify roasted flavors. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I make this for a crowd? Yes—multiply the pear purée, lime, salt, tequila, and syrup and keep the mixture chilled; when ready, stir with ice and double-strain into glasses topped with fresh crushed ice and soda. Make the cinnamon syrup up to two weeks ahead to save time. ### Why discard one cinnamon stick after simmering? Removing one stick stops the infusion from becoming overpowering while leaving another for garnish and aroma; it also prevents the syrup from taking on a bitter, overly woody note if left too long. ### Can I use canned or frozen pears? Fresh pears are best for bright aromatics and texture, but thawed frozen pears or well-drained canned pears work in a pinch—reduce added syrup since they are often sweeter. ### What if the cocktail tastes flat? Add a squeeze more lime to lift acidity or a small dash more cinnamon syrup to reintroduce sweetness; a pinch more flaky sea salt can also brighten flavors if they feel muted. ### Should I use blanco or reposado tequila? Blanco keeps the cocktail crisp and lets pear aromatics shine, while reposado adds oak and a richer mouthfeel—choose blanco for freshness and reposado for a warmer, richer drink. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Grilled Lime Margarita](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-lime-margarita) - [Lillet Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/lillet-spritz) - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Hemingway Daiquiri](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hemingway-daiquiri) - [Chartreuse Sour](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/chartreuse-sour) - [Savory French Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/savory-french-spritz) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)