Pear and Sage Mocktail: Subtle, Herbal, and Effortlessly Elegant

If you’re craving something that feels clean, seasonal, and a little bit elevated, the Pear and Sage Mocktail checks all the boxes. It’s not overly sweet, not overly spiced — just the soft fruitiness of pear with the quiet herbal depth of fresh sage.

This drink feels like something you’d sip at a fall brunch, a winter shower, or a cozy night in with candles lit. It’s fresh and gently aromatic — the kind of mocktail that doesn’t scream for attention, but still makes a lasting impression.

Serve it in a coupe or low tumbler, keep the ingredients simple, and let the flavors speak for themselves. It’s understated in the best way.

Recipe Overview

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes (10 if making syrup)
Total Time: 5–10 minutes

This mocktail comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. You can keep it extra simple with muddled sage or go a little more elevated with a quick sage-infused syrup. Either way, it feels luxurious without the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and not too sweet: The pear is light and mellow, and the sage adds depth without overpowering.
Minimal ingredients, maximum vibe: With just a few steps, you’ve got a mocktail that tastes like something off a restaurant menu.
Customizable: Use syrup for a smoother drink, or muddle sage for a quick herbal hit.
Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for yourself: It looks impressive and feels thoughtful, even if you make it on a weeknight.
Perfect year-round: Works for fall and winter, but also feels crisp and refreshing enough to sip in spring.

Tools You’ll Need

Cocktail shaker or mason jar — To mix and chill the mocktail.
Muddler or wooden spoon — If you’re muddling fresh sage.
Fine mesh strainer (optional) — For a smooth finish.
Stemmed glass or lowball — This looks especially pretty in a coupe or small tumbler.
Small saucepan (optional) — If making sage simple syrup.
Ice — Crushed or cubed.

Ingredients

½ cup pear juice — Lakewood Organic Pear Juice or R.W. Knudsen are great clean options. You can also juice a ripe pear or use pear nectar for a richer texture.
½ ounce lemon juice — Just enough to brighten the drink.
1–2 teaspoons honey or sage simple syrup — If using honey, dissolve it in warm water first for better mixing.
2–3 fresh sage leaves — Muddled or infused. Adds earthy, herbal depth.
2–3 ounces sparkling water or club soda — Topo Chico or Fever-Tree Club Soda work great for gentle fizz.

Optional Garnishes:

Sage sprig
Thin pear slice
Lemon twist

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Sage (Choose One Method)

Quick method: Add sage leaves to your shaker and gently muddle to release the oils.
Elevated method: Make a sage syrup by simmering ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar (or honey), and 4–5 sage leaves for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.

Step 2: Shake the Base
In a shaker or mason jar, combine pear juice, lemon juice, and your sweetener (honey or sage syrup). If you muddled sage, it’s already in the mix. Add ice and shake for 10–15 seconds.

Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice or serve up in a coupe glass for a cleaner presentation.

Step 4: Add Fizz and Garnish
Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a fresh sage sprig, a thin pear slice, or a lemon twist.

Make-Ahead & Customization Tips

Make-ahead base:
Mix the pear juice, lemon juice, and syrup or muddled sage a day ahead and refrigerate. Just shake and top with sparkling water when ready to serve.

Want it sweeter?
Use pear nectar and add a touch more syrup or honey.

Want it lighter?
Use less juice and more sparkling water for a more tonic-like finish.

Don’t have sage?
Try fresh thyme or rosemary as an herbal twist — just use slightly less since they’re stronger.

Serving a group?
Scale up the base in a pitcher, chill, and let guests top their own drinks with club soda.

Perfect Pairings

This mocktail is subtle, clean, and just a little herbal — making it a great match for fresh, savory, or lightly sweet dishes. Try it with:

Goat cheese and honey crostini — The pear and sage complement the tangy creaminess beautifully.
Pear and arugula salad with walnuts — Bright, crisp, and on theme.
Brie and fig jam bites — Creamy and sweet meets herbal and refreshing.
Shortbread cookies or lemon ricotta cake — A light dessert that won’t overpower the drink.

FAQs

Can I use bottled pear nectar instead of juice?
Yes — pear nectar is thicker and sweeter, so you may want to reduce or skip the added sweetener and increase the lemon juice slightly to balance.
What if I don’t have fresh sage?
You can use a very small pinch of dried sage in the syrup, but fresh is much better. Or try fresh thyme or rosemary instead.
Can I make this without fizz?
Absolutely — just skip the sparkling water and serve it as a still mocktail. It’ll be softer and more mellow but still delicious.
Does this work warm?
It can! Skip the sparkling water and warm the pear, lemon, and syrup gently on the stove with a sage sprig. Strain and serve in a mug.

Take a Sip

The Pear and Sage Mocktail is a quiet standout — soft, subtle, and elegant in a way that makes it perfect for slow moments, intimate gatherings, or when you just want something a little different.

It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t have to be. The pear brings calm sweetness, the sage adds depth, and the bubbles keep it feeling light and modern. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, sipping solo in the evening, or creating a fall or winter mocktail bar, this drink brings just the right mood.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how you made it your own — did you go with syrup or fresh sage? Serve it sparkling or still? Save or pin it for later, and come back to it anytime you need a drink that’s both simple and special.