These pear margaritas feature a spiced pear simple syrup made with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. Warm and cozy, this winter margarita recipe is perfect for cold weather tequila cravings!

Why This Recipe Works

We set our sights on creating a margarita cocktail fit for the holidays. So we loaded up a honey-based simple syrup with all the finest warm spices. Each sip of this cocktail is warming and spiced while also delivering a nice tart punch from the fresh lime juice. This is the perfect cocktail if you love a bright margarita but also want something cozy to sip!

Ingredient Notes

Tequila

Use either blanco or reposado. We prefer reposado because it adds a nice warmth and depth of flavor.

Lime Juice

Fresh is always best! Grab some limes and juice them yourself. Here’s our favorite juicer.

Ginger Liqueur

Our favorite liqueur is Domain de Canton. If you don’t want to purchase another liqueur (we get it), you can also use orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or triple sec.

Pears

We developed this recipe with Bosc pears so we recommend using those!

Flavorings

The recipe of the cocktail is all about adding flavor in the form of spice and warm sweetness. You’ll need honey, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Spiced Honey Simple Syrup

These winter margaritas feature a warm honey simple syrup flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. It’s no secret I love making simple syrup with honey or maple syrup.

Not only is it more natural, but it’s more flavorful, too. A honey simple syrup is especially delicious in spiced cocktails, such as this margarita, where warmth and depth of flavor is top priority.

rocks glass set on a white coaster on a wood table filled with a yellow drink and garnished with a pear

How to Make The Spiced Honey Simple Syrup

  1. Combine honey, water, half of a pear (sliced), and spices in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook 4 minutes.
  3. Remove pan from heat and let steep for at least 15 minutes, though an hour is best.
  4. Pass the simple syrup through a fine mesh strainer and discard solids (or reserve the poached pears for garnishing the cocktail, snacking on, or topping pancakes/waffles).
  5. Store spiced honey simple syrup in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Make These Winter Margaritas

  1. Make the simple syrup (see right above this) and allow it to cool (at least slightly, I’m impatient too).
  2. Combine tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur in a shaker filled with ice.
  3. Secure lid and shake vigorously until chilled.
  4. Strain cocktail into two rocks glasses filled with ice.
  5. Garnish cocktails with a fresh pear slice (or garnish with reserved poached pear slices from the simple syrup).
rocks glass set on a white coaster on a wood table filled with a yellow drink and garnished with a pear

Variations On This Recipe

  • Use pear juice or pear purée in the simple syrup instead of fresh pears.
  • Swap lime juice for lemon juice for something a little brighter.
  • Rim margarita glasses with a salted rim for a nod to the classic cocktail.

More Cocktail Recipes You May Like…

Spiced Pear Margaritas

4.84 from 6 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Yield 2 margaritas (syrup makes enough for 10 cocktails)
Category Drinks
Cuisine Mexican/ American
Author Lauren Grant

Description

Featuring a pear simple syrup flavored with warm spices, this margarita recipe is perfect for fall and winter!

Ingredients

Spiced Pear Syrup:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ Bosc pear, sliced
  • 1- inch knob ginger, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • teaspoon ground cloves

Margaritas:

  • 3 ounces tequila, blanco or reposado
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 1 ½ ounces spiced pear syrup
  • 1 ounce ginger liqueur, such as Domain de Canton
  • Pear slices for garnish

Instructions

For the Spiced Pear Simple Syrup:

  • Combine honey, ½ cup water, pear, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand at least 15 minutes (1 hour is ideal). Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer. 
  • Discard solids or reserve for garnish, or for another use.

For the Margaritas:

  • Add tequila, lime juice, Spiced Pear Syrup, and ginger liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled. Strain margaritas into two rocks glasses filled with ice and garnish with pear slices.

Notes

The spiced syrup makes enough for 10 cocktails.
Store spiced pear syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1margaritaCalories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 13gSodium: 1mgSugar: 11g
Like this? Leave a comment below!I love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @zestfulkitchen and #zestfulkitchen!
rocks glass set on a white coaster on a wood table filled with a yellow drink and garnished with a pear

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    oooo my gosh, I’ve had my eye on this recipe for a while and I finally tried it. LOVED! It’s both refreshing and warming.

  2. 5 stars
    These were incredible! I’m not super confident when it comes to making cocktails, but this one was easy and delicious – everyone at our Tequila Christmas party loved it!