Pear and Sage Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with drinks at home lately, and honestly, the Pear and Sage Gimlet Cocktail has become a bit of an obsession. It’s a fresh spin on the classic gimlet—sweet pear, a little herbal sage, and it just feels right for happy hour or a low-key weekend with friends.

You don’t need any fancy skills or rare ingredients for this one. Just a handful of things you probably already have, plus a couple of basic bar tools, and you’re set.

When I first mixed this up, I wasn’t sure how sage would play with pear, but wow, it just works. Sage brings this soft herbal vibe, the pear is juicy and mellow, and then lime jumps in with a bright, zippy finish.

If you’re hoping to impress your friends or just want to treat yourself to something a little different, this is a great pick.

Pear And Sage Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

Making a Pear and Sage Gimlet at home couldn’t be much easier. The combo of ripe pear, fragrant sage, and a splash of gin is surprisingly addictive.

Get your tools and ingredients out before you start so you’re not scrambling halfway through.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: This is what I use to chill and mix everything together.
• Fine mesh strainer: Keeps out the little bits of sage or pear pulp—nobody wants that in their glass.
• Jigger or small measuring cup: Measuring keeps things balanced, and I’m all for that.
• Muddler or wooden spoon: For smashing up those sage leaves and getting the flavor out.
• Citrus juicer or reamer: Fresh lime juice is a must here.
• Knife and cutting board: For slicing pears and sage, obviously.
• Rocks glass: I like serving this over ice in a sturdy glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin: I lean toward herbal gins for this, but use what you like.
• 1 oz fresh pear juice (or muddled ripe pear): Adds that delicate, sweet pear flavor.
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (or cinnamon simple syrup): A little sweetness to balance things out.
• 1/2 oz pear liqueur: Optional, but it really amps up the pear.
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice: Brightens everything up.
• 4-5 fresh sage leaves: Plus a few extras if you want to get fancy with the garnish.
• Ice: Use plenty—no one likes a lukewarm cocktail.

Instructions

• Toss the sage leaves in your shaker and muddle gently to get those oils going.
• Pour in the gin, pear juice, pear liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice.
• Add enough ice to fill the shaker halfway, maybe a bit more.
• Shake it up for about 15 seconds, or until your hands are freezing.
• Strain everything through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
• Top it off with a thin pear slice and a sage leaf for garnish.

Notes

Fresh sage is non-negotiable here—dried just doesn’t cut it. Sometimes I swap in cinnamon simple syrup for a cozy, spiced twist, and if I’m out of pear liqueur, I just use a little more pear juice.

I always taste before serving. Too tart? Add a touch more syrup. Too sweet? Squeeze in extra lime. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, trust me.

If I’m in the mood for a bigger herbal punch, I muddle in another sage leaf. And if I’m using store-bought pear juice, I stick to the unsweetened kind so the drink doesn’t end up cloying. That way, the pear and sage actually get to shine.

Tasting Notes

Right off the bat, I taste the pear in this cocktail. It’s got that fresh, juicy sweetness, but the lime juice kicks in with a gentle tartness.

Sage is there too, just hanging out in the background, giving the drink this subtle earthy vibe. Honestly, it’s not overpowering—just enough to keep things interesting.

The gin? Oh, it’s definitely present, bringing its classic botanicals to the party. I get those hints of juniper and citrus, which actually mesh pretty well with the pear and sage.

Every sip is smooth, not too strong or overwhelming. It’s kind of impressive how balanced it feels.

The finish is refreshing, with a little herbal aftertaste from the sage lingering for a second. Those gin botanicals leave behind a crisp, clean impression.

Honestly, this drink is light and easy to sip. I like how the flavors play together—nobody’s fighting for attention, and it just works. If you’re into herbaceous cocktails, this one’s simple but has plenty of personality.