Cinnamon Pear Sangria is a perfect drink for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. It combines the warm spice of cinnamon with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh pears, mixed with your favorite wine and a splash of something bubbly. This sangria is refreshing with a hint of autumn charm that everyone seems to love.
I love making this sangria because it’s so simple yet feels special. The cinnamon sticks not only add a lovely spice but also make the drink smell amazing while it chills. Plus, the pears soften just enough to soak up all those delicious flavors without losing their texture, which adds a nice bite when you sip with a spoon or straw.
My favorite way to serve this drink is in a big bowl with lots of ice and extra cinnamon sticks as garnish. It’s always a hit at parties, but it’s just as nice to pour a glass and enjoy while curled up on the couch. This sangria is one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want something a little different but still easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: I recommend Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for their light and crisp qualities that balance the pears and cinnamon. You can also use a dry Riesling or even a sparkling wine for extra fizz.
Pear Nectar or Juice: Pear nectar gives a richer, sweeter flavor. If you can’t find it, plain pear juice or even apple juice work well. For a less sweet option, add less honey or syrup.
Brandy: Brandy adds warmth and depth. If you prefer, use peach schnapps or apple brandy for a fruitier twist. You can skip it for a lighter drink but it’s part of the classic flavor.
Cinnamon Sticks: These add gentle, spicy warmth as they sit in the sangria. Ground cinnamon on the rim looks pretty and adds an immediate cinnamon kick with each sip.
Pears: Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape while soaking up flavors. Bartlett or Anjou pears are my go-to. If pears aren’t available, try apple slices for a similar effect.
How Do You Get the Best Cinnamon Flavor Without It Being Too Strong?
The cinnamon sticks need time to infuse their flavor slowly without overpowering the drink.
- Add whole cinnamon sticks early to the wine mixture, and let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This slow infusion softens the spice and blends it nicely.
- Don’t break the sticks into smaller pieces; they release flavor steadily and are easy to remove before serving if desired.
- Use ground cinnamon only on the glass rim to keep that spice fresh and bright with every sip.
- Adding extra cinnamon sticks for garnish gives a warm aroma without making the sangria too spicy.
Patience is key here. This technique lets the cinnamon add its signature warmth without taking over the fresh, fruity flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling your sangria all at once.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right balance of juice, wine, and brandy.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing pears cleanly and safely.
- Glasses with wide rims – easy to rim with cinnamon and add fruit slices.
- Long spoon or stirrer – to mix everything gently without bruising the fruit.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try replacing pears with apples for a crisper, tart twist that still pairs well with cinnamon.
- Add a splash of ginger ale instead of sparkling water for a spicier, zesty finish.
- Include a few star anise pods in the pitcher for a subtle licorice flavor that matches cinnamon nicely.
- Swap brandy for spiced rum to give the sangria a richer, festive flavor perfect for holiday gatherings.
How to Make Cinnamon Pear Sangria?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ground cinnamon, for rimming glasses
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and mixing, plus at least 2 hours (or overnight) to chill and let the flavors come together. Serve immediately after chilling and adding sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by moistening the rims of your glasses with water or lemon juice. Then dip the rims into ground cinnamon to create a flavorful cinnamon crust. Set the glasses aside while you prepare the sangria.
2. Mix the Sangria Base:
In a large pitcher, pour the white wine, pear nectar (or juice), brandy, and honey or simple syrup. Stir everything well until the sweetener dissolves completely. This forms the flavorful base of your sangria.
3. Add Pears and Cinnamon Sticks:
Add the thinly sliced pears and the cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. Gently stir to combine and distribute the fruit and spices evenly throughout the drink.
4. Chill the Sangria:
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This resting time lets the cinnamon and pear flavors mingle and deepen, making the sangria taste even better.
5. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher and gently pour in the sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish. Stir gently to mix. Fill each cinnamon-rimmed glass with ice, then pour the sangria over the ice. Add some pear slices and a cinnamon stick to each glass for a lovely garnish and extra flavor.
Enjoy!
Now, sit back and enjoy the warm cinnamon spice and juicy fresh pear flavors in your delicious cinnamon pear sangria.
Can I Use Frozen Pears for This Sangria?
Yes, you can use frozen pears if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to the sangria to avoid watering it down.
Can I Make Cinnamon Pear Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the sangria overnight helps the flavors to meld and intensify. Just wait to add the sparkling water and ice until right before serving for the best fizz and freshness.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to infuse the sangria, so the flavor will get stronger, but the sparkling water may lose its fizz over time.
What Can I Substitute for Brandy?
If you don’t have brandy, peach schnapps, spiced rum, or apple liqueur work great as substitutes. You can also leave it out for a lighter, less boozy version—just add a little extra pear juice or nectar to keep the sweetness balanced.