Description
A festive, make-ahead spiced pear punch that combines warm spices with crisp lager for an easy, sophisticated fall party drink that looks impressive but takes minutes to assemble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 oz (1.9 liters) 100% pear nectar
- 4 large cinnamon sticks
- 3–4 star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 strips orange zest (peel only)
- 6–8 bottles or cans light lager or pilsner, chilled
- Ice (large cubes preferred)
- Fresh pear slices, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1-2 oz vodka or bourbon per serving for adult version
- Optional: 32 oz unsweetened apple cider (to swap half the nectar)
Instructions
- Pour pear nectar into a large pot. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange zest strips.
- Place pot over medium-low heat and gently warm the nectar for 10-15 minutes. Do not boil; you want to infuse the spices without cooking the pear flavor.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 30-45 minutes).
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, discarding the spices and orange peel.
- Cover and refrigerate the spiced pear base for up to 3 days if making ahead.
- Right before serving, add ice to the pitcher of chilled spiced base.
- Slowly pour the chilled beer over the back of a spoon or gently into the pitcher to minimize foaming.
- Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust by adding more nectar if too strong or more beer if too sweet.
- Garnish with fresh pear slices and float star anise pods on top.
- Serve immediately in chilled glasses or mugs.
Notes
Do not boil the pear nectar as it can make the flavor taste cooked or jammy. The beer should be well-chilled to prevent excessive foaming. The spiced base can be made up to 3 days in advance, but do not add the beer until serving time to keep it carbonated. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the beer with sparkling water or club soda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 1 b
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Oktoberfest, pear shandy, fall party drink, spiced pear punch, easy cocktail, make-ahead drink, beer punch, autumn recipes