If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-warming drink that screams fall in every sip, you’re going to absolutely adore this Caramel Pear Cider Recipe. It’s the kind of beverage I reach for when the weather cools down and I want something that feels like a sweet hug in a mug—fragrant, spiced, and with just the right touch of caramel decadence. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to cider fix for every autumn gathering or simply to enjoy on a quiet evening at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavor Combo: The blend of caramel, pear, and warming spices makes every sip feel like a mini celebration of autumn’s best tastes.
Easy to Make, Even Easier to Love: With simple ingredients and a straightforward simmer, you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this at parties — it’s fragrant, flavorful, and feels fancy but isn’t intimidating at all.
Customizable Spirit: You can adjust the pear liqueur or syrup levels to keep it mild or ramp up the sweetness and kick.

A clear glass mug holds a warm, light brown drink with a slice of green pear resting inside near the bottom and a whole cinnamon stick standing upright in the middle, with some cinnamon powder scattered on the surface. The mug sits on a green tray with a pear and two caramel pieces placed nearby, all on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another glass mug filled with a similar drink and cinnamon stick, along with a green apple slightly out of focus. The overall scene gives a cozy, autumn feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are the magic behind the smooth, spiced profile of this Caramel Pear Cider Recipe. Each one plays an important role—from the base of apple cider to the pear hard cider for a fizzy twist, and of course, the creamy caramel syrup that really makes this drink stand out.

Pure apple cider: Choose a fresh, high-quality cider with no added preservatives for the best natural flavor.
Pear hard cider: This adds a subtle bubbly kick and enhances the pear notes; I like Angry Orchard’s pear option.
Caramel syrup: Use a good-quality caramel syrup like Torani for that rich, homemade caramel taste without the hassle of making it yourself.
Mulling spices: Grab a pre-made spice sachet or make your own blend with cloves, cardamom, and allspice for warmth.
Cinnamon sticks: They infuse a cozy spice scent and pair perfectly with both apple and pear flavors.
Pear liqueur: Adds depth and a slight boozy sweetness—J Vineyards pear liqueur is my favorite, but the exact brand is flexible.
Sliced pear: Fresh pear slices are perfect as garnish and infuse a subtle fruitiness while the cider simmers or rests.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Caramel Pear Cider Recipe is really flexible—you can tweak it to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Play around with the sweetness, the amount of booze, or even the spices to make it your own. That’s part of the fun!

Lower Alcohol Version: Swap out the pear liqueur for more pear hard cider or use sparkling apple cider instead, perfect if you want a family-friendly option or lighter sips.
Spice Swap: If you’re not into mulling spices, try star anise or a few slices of fresh ginger for a different warm flavor profile.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the caramel syrup or add a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance out the richness.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the pear hard cider and pear liqueur, and add apple or pear juice with a dash of vanilla extract to keep it kid-friendly but still delicious.

How to Make Caramel Pear Cider Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by filling a spice bag with those fragrant mulling spices. This little bag is your secret weapon—it keeps the spices contained, so you get all the aroma without gritty bits floating around. Then, in a large (4-quart) Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pan, pour in your apple cider, pear hard cider, and caramel syrup. Toss in the spice bag along with two cinnamon sticks and give everything a good stir. Cover and let it gently simmer. Trust me on this—you’ll want to simmer it low and slow for about an hour to really let all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Remove Spices and Add the Finishing Touches

After an hour, remove the bag of mulling spices and discard it—your cider will now be perfectly infused without any bitey bits left behind. Right before serving, stir in the pear liqueur and toss in fresh pear slices for an extra burst of freshness and nice presentation. If you’re not serving immediately, keep the cider covered and on low heat to stay warm and ready to pour.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your caramel pear cider into mugs, add a cinnamon stick or a couple of pear slices for garnish, and enjoy the warm, cozy vibes. Every sip feels like a little celebration of fall, and I’m pretty sure it’ll quickly become your favorite seasonal drink too.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Pear Cider Recipe

Simmer Slowly: I learned that too high heat can dull flavors, so keep the cider at a gentle simmer to allow spices and caramel to really develop.
Use a Spice Bag: Containing your mulling spices keeps the final drink smooth with no surprise crunches or bits.
Stir in Liqueur at the End: Adding pear liqueur after simmering keeps its fresh, fruity flavor vibrant without cooking off the alcohol.
Watch Your Sweetness: I often start with less caramel syrup and adjust after tasting, so you don’t end up with a cider that’s too sweet for your liking.

How to Serve Caramel Pear Cider Recipe

A clear glass cup filled with light golden brown liquid sits on a metal tray with a faded green color. A woman's hand holds a thin slice of yellow-red pear just above the cup, ready to dip it in. In the background, another glass cup with the same liquid and pear slice is slightly out of focus. On the tray near the cups are two cinnamon sticks and small brown caramel squares. Under the tray, there is a yellow and white checkered cloth. The scene is set on a white marbled surface and the photo looks soft with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go for a few fresh pear slices and a cinnamon stick to garnish—it not only makes the drink look inviting but adds subtle layers to the aroma and flavor as you sip. Sometimes, a thin twist of orange peel in the cup brings in a bright, zesty note I absolutely love.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with cozy fall snacks like spiced nuts, cheddar cheese with crisp crackers, or even a warm apple crisp. When I serve this at gatherings, I like to have mini pumpkin muffins or gingerbread cookies on hand—the flavors really complement each other perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this Caramel Pear Cider Recipe in clear glass mugs to show off the gorgeous amber color and pear slices floating inside. Adding a cinnamon stick tied with a little raffia or ribbon turns it into an effortless gift for guests. You can even rim the cups with crushed graham crackers and caramel drizzle for an indulgent, festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cider in an airtight container in the fridge without the pear slices or cinnamon sticks (they can get mushy or bitter). It will keep well for up to 3 days. I usually reheat gently on the stove.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this cider, as the texture and flavor of the spices and caramel shift after thawing. Plus, fresh is so much better with this recipe. Instead, I recommend making it fresh or storing refrigerated for a couple of days.

Reheating

When reheating, warm it gently over low heat and avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors. You can add fresh pear slices when reheating to revive its freshness, and stir well before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Caramel Pear Cider Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit both the pear hard cider and pear liqueur. You can replace the hard cider with sparkling apple or pear juice and add a splash of vanilla extract to keep the flavor deep and interesting. This makes a delicious non-alcoholic version that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
What are mulling spices, and can I substitute them?

Mulling spices are a fragrant mix usually containing cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes orange peel or star anise. If you don’t have a pre-made mix, you can easily make your own or use whole cinnamon sticks and star anise alone for a simpler profile. Fresh ginger slices also add a lovely spicy warmth.
Can I prepare the cider ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can simmer the cider base a day in advance and store it refrigerated without the pear liqueur and fresh pear slices. When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir in the pear liqueur plus fresh pears just before pouring for the best freshness and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have caramel syrup?

If you don’t have caramel syrup, you can substitute with homemade caramel sauce (just use less) or even a touch of brown sugar melted in a bit of water. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as rich or smooth, but it still makes for a tasty cider.
How spicy is this cider? Can I adjust it?

This cider has warm, mild spice from the mulling spices and cinnamon sticks, balanced by the sweetness of caramel and pear. If you want it milder, reduce the mulling spices or remove the cinnamon sticks earlier in the simmer. To ramp it up, add extra cinnamon or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Pear Cider Recipe has become one of my favorite fall traditions because it feels comforting and a little indulgent without any complicated steps. I love how the caramel adds that luscious sweetness that’s balanced by the bright pear and warm spices. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became the drink everyone requested at our family gatherings. I encourage you to try it out—it’s an easy way to invite cozy vibes and a bit of festive flair into your home. Pour yourself a mug, curl up with a good book or your favorite people, and enjoy every delicious moment!

Caramel Pear Cider Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 90 reviews

Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A warm, comforting Caramel Pear Cider combining the sweetness of apple and pear ciders with rich caramel, aromatic mulling spices, and a splash of pear liqueur. Perfect for cozy gatherings and chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Liquids and Syrups

1 container (64 ounces) pure apple cider
2 bottles (12 ounces each) pear hard cider (e.g., Angry Orchard Hard Pear Cider)
1/2 cup caramel syrup (e.g., Torani Caramel Syrup)
1 cup pear liqueur (e.g., J Vineyards Pear Liqueur)

Spices and Garnishes

2 tablespoons mulling spices
2 cinnamon sticks
Sliced pear and additional cinnamon sticks for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the mulling spice bag: Fill a spice bag with 2 tablespoons of mulling spices to infuse the drink with warm, fragrant notes without having to strain loose spices later.
Combine ingredients in pot: In a 4-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottom saucepan, pour in 64 ounces of pure apple cider, 24 ounces of pear hard cider, 1/2 cup caramel syrup, the bagged mulling spices, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
Simmer to blend flavors: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 1 hour over low heat. This allows the spices and syrups to thoroughly infuse the cider blend.
Remove spices: After simmering, remove and discard the bag of mulling spices and the cinnamon sticks used for simmering.
Finish with pear liqueur: Stir in 1 cup of pear liqueur just before serving to add depth and a smooth, boozy finish to the cider.
Add garnishes and serve: Toss in several sliced pears and cinnamon sticks for an attractive presentation. Serve immediately or keep warm on low heat, covered.

Notes

Hard pear cider, caramel syrup, and pear liqueur brands used: Angry Orchard Hard Pear Cider, Torani Caramel Syrup, and J Vineyards Pear Liqueur.
Simmer gently to avoid boiling off alcohol content in the liqueur added at the end.
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven for even heat distribution during simmering.
Keep warm on low heat if not serving immediately to preserve flavors and warmth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg