I love how a Pear Vanilla Martini blends sweet pear and warm vanilla flavors in a simple, refreshing drink. This cocktail is easy for anyone to make at home and doesn’t need fancy ingredients.

I enjoy serving this martini at gatherings or just whenever I want something a little different from the usual mixed drinks.

The touch of vanilla adds a smooth taste that pairs so well with the freshness of pear—honestly, it’s a combo I keep coming back to.

Pear Vanilla Martini Cocktail Recipe

I focus on using ripe pears and good vanilla for the best flavor. High-proof vodka gives the drink its classic martini structure, while pear and vanilla provide a soft, sweet taste.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

For this recipe, I use a cocktail shaker to bring everything together.
A jigger is important for measuring liquor and syrup accurately—eyeballing it just doesn’t cut it for this one.
A fine mesh strainer helps remove any pulp from the pear puree to keep the drink smooth.

I always reach for a muddler to mash the pear, and a bar spoon for stirring if it needs it.
I also need a citrus juicer for the lemon juice and a martini glass for serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for a Pear Vanilla Martini:

Fresh ripe pear 1/2 diced or sliced

Vodka 2 oz
Vanilla syrup 3/4 oz
Lemon juice 1/2 oz freshly squeezed
Ice Enough for shaking
Pear slice For garnish optional

Instructions

First, I add the diced pear to the cocktail shaker and mash it well with a muddler. This breaks up the fruit and releases the juice, which is what you want.
Next, I pour in vodka, vanilla syrup, and lemon juice. Then, I add ice to fill the shaker about halfway—no need to overthink it.

I shake hard for 15-20 seconds to mix, chill, and blend the flavors. Using a fine-mesh strainer, I strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass.
To finish, I sometimes garnish with a thin pear slice on the rim. It looks nice and hints at what’s inside.

Notes

I pick Bartlet or Anjou pears because they have a nice balance of sweetness and texture. Overripe pears can make the drink a bit cloudy, but honestly, they do add a stronger pear taste if that’s your thing.

If I want a stronger vanilla note, I add an extra splash of syrup or even a few drops of vanilla extract. For a lighter drink, I sometimes use half vodka and half sparkling water.

Shaking hard is important, as it helps mix the pear evenly and makes the drink cold and smooth. Don’t skimp on that part.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Pear Vanilla Martini, I notice how smooth the drink feels. The pear brings a gentle sweetness that’s easy to enjoy—never too much.

The vanilla flavor is soft, adding a cozy hint without being too strong. I find the aroma light and fresh, too.

Pear stands out right away, and a touch of vanilla follows. This mix makes the drink smell inviting but not overpowering—just right, if you ask me.

The texture is silky and the finish is crisp. A bit of tartness pops up at the end, which balances out the sweetness—kind of refreshing, honestly.

If I were to serve this, I’d suggest a fresh pear slice or a vanilla bean as a garnish to highlight the main flavors.

Substitute

If I don’t have fresh pear juice on hand, I’ll just grab canned or bottled pear nectar instead. It’s definitely sweeter, so I usually cut back on the syrup to keep things balanced.

Can’t find vanilla vodka? I’ll use plain vodka and toss in a couple drops of vanilla extract. It’s close enough in flavor, though maybe a touch less sweet—honestly, it works in a pinch.

If I’m out of lemon juice, lime juice does the trick, though it shifts the flavor a bit. Not a bad thing, just different.

Sometimes I’m just not in the mood for alcohol. I’ll mix pear nectar, a splash of club soda, and a bit of vanilla syrup. It’s surprisingly refreshing and honestly, I don’t even miss the vodka.

I always taste as I go. If it’s too sweet, I’ll squeeze in more lemon or lime. Too tart? A little extra syrup usually smooths it out.

Pear Vanilla Martini Cocktail Recipe