This spiced pear and apple mocktail is the perfect autumnal treat.
The crunchy, crisp sweetness of the orchard fruits blends harmoniously with the comforting warmth of the chai spices. Think freshly baked apple pie reimagined into liquid form.
The spritz of the ginger beer and freshly squeezed lemon juice keeps the drink bright and refreshing. For those with a sweeter tooth, a touch of honey will add a little more decadence to the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Serves 1
Preparation time: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 oz. (30 ml) cloudy apple juice
- 1 ½ oz. (45 ml) pear juice
- ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. ½ a lemon)
- 1 ½ oz. (45 ml) chai tea, cooled
- 1 ½ oz. (45 ml) ginger beer
- Slices of pear and apple to garnish (optional)
- Ice
For the chai tea:
- 6 oz. (180 ml) water, boiled
- 1 chai tea bag
Equipment
- Kettle
- Mug
- Small plate
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Shaker
- Cocktail spoon
- Tumbler or Double Rocks glass
Instructions
- First, make the chai tea.
- Pour just-boiled (but not boiling) water over the chai tea bag and steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and leave to cool to room temperature.
- Next, prepare the glass.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate.
- Run a wedge of lemon around the rim of the glass.
- Roll the outside rim into the cinnamon sugar.
- Fill the glass with ice and slices of apple and pear.
- Finally, assemble the mocktail.
- Into the cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice, pear juice, apple juice, and cooled chai tea.
- Throw in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass and top with ginger beer.
- Use a cocktail spoon to gently stir to combine.
Similar Mocktails
If you liked Apple Pie, check out:
- Chai Town: Spiced Apple Non-Alcoholic Martini
- Pear Affaire: Rosemary, Pear and Cardamom Alcohol-Free Martini
Spiced Pear and Apple Mocktail FAQ
Can I use another type of tea instead of chai?
The chai tea is an important ingredient because it imparts warm cooking spices into the mocktail. As a substitute, you could use a cinnamon flavored tea or another spiced alternative. It is not recommended to use black tea, unless you infuse the spice in another way.
Can I use any type of chai tea for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any brand or flavor of chai tea for this recipe. It’s best to use a chai tea that is aromatic and has a strong spiced character to impart the best flavor into the mocktail.
Can I use fresh chai tea instead of a tea bag?
Yes, you can use loose leaf chai tea instead of a tea bag if you prefer. Simply steep 1-2 teaspoons into 6 ounces of just-boiled water for 5 minutes. Then, strain the tea and allow it to cool to room temperature before using it in the mocktail.
How long can I store the chai tea for future use?
You can store the chai tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before you use it in the mocktail to incorporate any settled particles back into the liquid.
Can I use hot chai tea in the mocktail?
It’s important to let the chai tea cool to room temperature before adding it to the mocktail. Using hot tea can affect the overall temperature and dilution of the drink.
Can I use different fruits instead of apple and pear?
The spices in this mocktail work well with orchard and stone fruits. If you’d like to experiment, try substituting the apple and pear for apricot, peaches or nectarines for an interesting twist on this recipe.
Can I make this mocktail without a cocktail shaker?
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a tightly sealed jar or container to shake the ingredients. You’ll need to shake longer than 15-20 seconds to reach the desired temperature. Make sure that the mixture is ice-cold before straining into the glass.
Can I substitute ginger beer with another carbonated drink?
Ginger beer adds a distinctive flavor to the mocktail that complements and deepens the chai tea spice. Ginger ale will impart less ginger flavor, but could work as a substitute. Alternatively, you could use sparkling water for a lighter, ginger-free version of the mocktail.
Do I need to stir the mocktail after pouring it into the glass?
Yes. After straining the shaked ingredients into the prepared glass and topping with ginger beer, you’ll want to use a cocktail spoon to gently stir the final mocktail together. This will help combine all of the flavors before serving.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
The mocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance. To get ahead, the lemon juice and chai tea can be made and stored in the fridge for up to two days until needed. However, it’s recommended to assemble the mocktail just before serving for the best taste and presentation.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the mocktail?
Yes, there are several different sweeteners that you could use in this mocktail. Stirring in some leftover cinnamon sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup could all work well. Start with a teaspoon, taste, then adjust as required. To reduce the sweetness in the drink, omit the cinnamon sugar around the rim.
Can I make this mocktail warm instead of serving it over ice?
Yes, with a few adjustments this mocktail could be served warm instead of over ice. Simply, heat the pear, apple and lemon juice in a saucepan or using a microwave. Add the hot chai tea and omit the ginger beer. Serve the drink in a heat-resistant glass or mug garnished with a cinnamon stick.
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