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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Nov 4, 2020 · Modified: Oct 2, 2024 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Pear-Sage Gimlet

Jump to Recipe

Let's give this classic gimlet cocktail a fall twist! This pear-sage gimlet balances a trio of sweet, tart and savory notes to make one complex, flavorful cocktail. You'll want to sip on this gin gimlet all throughout the fall.

Two pear-sage gimlet cocktails on a marble board with fresh sage around it and pears in the background.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Pear-Sage Simple Syrup
  • How to Make Pear-Sage Gimlet
  • Can I Substitute Another Liquor for Gin?
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Looking for More Fall Cocktails?
  • 📖 Recipe

Nothing makes an evening like a fresh, seasonal craft cocktail. Sure, I always appreciate a meal full of seasonal ingredients, but when you can also combine those flavors into a cocktail, it adds a special touch to the gathering. To me, it feels like you're in a fancy craft cocktail bar from the comfort of your own home.

With the fall here, I can't get enough orchard fruits, and sage has become my go-to herb -- and not just for savory meals. If you've ever tried my sage-fig cocktail -- another delightful fall sipper -- you already know how great it is in seasonal drinks, so I'm excited to bring you another delicious option for the fall. Let's get to it.

Ingredients

Before we start mixing, let's make sure we have our ingredients on hand.

  • Pear-sage simple syrup: We're making this ourselves with water, sugar, pears and fresh sage, so there's no need to go searching the store shelves for some obscure syrup.
  • Gin: Your favorite London dry gin works. I usually reach for one of my local gins or Bombay Sapphire, depending what I have on hand.
  • Fresh lime juice: I definitely prefer freshly squeezing my lime juice rather than squirting in bottled juice, and it takes hardly any effort.
  • Ice: Because no one likes room-temperature gimlets. Not good.
A side view of the pear-sage gimlet with pears behind it.

How to Make Pear-Sage Simple Syrup

Before making our gimlet, we first need to prepare our pear-sage simple syrup. For this step, we add equal parts water and sugar to a small saucepan along with chopped pear and fresh sage sprigs and then bring the mixture to a boil.

Once the syrup boils, we turn off the heat and let the mixture steep. Ten minutes should do but feel free to let it sit even longer if you'd like. Now we strain the syrup and chill until we're ready for a drink.

As long as you store this pear-sage simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last several weeks, which is why I adore making homemade syrups for cocktails when entertaining. These unique simple syrups make it easy to put a custom spin on any cocktail, and you can take care of this step well in advance for hassle-free entertaining.

An aerial view of a pear-sage gimlet with fresh sage leaves surrounding it.

How to Make Pear-Sage Gimlet

Now that our simple syrup is ready, we can start on the rest of our gin gimlet, which is as easy as can be. To make our pear-sage gimlet, we add our homemade simple syrup, gin, freshly squeezed lime juice and ice to a cocktail shaker. We pop on the top and give it a good shake.

Gimlets are served in a martini glass with no ice, so we want to make sure we perfectly chill it before serving. I find a 30-second shake does the job nicely.

For an extra refreshing cocktail, we can also chill our martini glass, which helps keep our gimlet cold as we sip. To take care of this, we can pop the martini glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving. Another option is to fill the martini glass with ice and water as you prepare the pear gimlet and then empty the glass right before serving.

Now that our fall gimlet is mixed and chilled, we strain it into our martini glass, garnish with a lime wheel and relax with the perfect fall cocktail.

Looking straight on of the fall gimlet with pears behind it.

Can I Substitute Another Liquor for Gin?

If you're not a big gin fan, no worries. I happen to love gin, but I know it's not for everyone. Vodka makes a great substitute.

As a neutral liquor, vodka won't add those additional citrus and floral notes that come with gin, but it still makes for a tasty gimlet. This really comes down to personal preference.

Perfect Pairing

You'll love this pear-sage gimlet with my cheddar-apple stuffed chicken thighs in a creamy garlic sauce. The savory sage pairs nicely with the fresh herbs in the cheddar and apple stuffing, and I love how the bright lime cuts through that rich sauce. With these two together, you have the perfect autumn meal.

For a tasty and easy fall cocktail, I hope you try this pear-sage gimlet.

Cheers!

A close-up shot of the gimlet with pears to the side on a white marble board.
One pear-sage gimlet on a neutral-colored napkin and white marble board.

Looking for More Fall Cocktails?

  • Plum-thyme margarita
  • Apple Bellini
  • Chai old fashioned
  • Gingered bourbon-apple cider cocktail
  • Apple cider old fashioned

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Two pear-sage gimlet cocktails on a marble board with fresh sage around it and pears in the background.

Pear-Sage Gimlet

Let's give this classic gimlet cocktail a fall twist! This pear-sage gimlet balances a trio of sweet, tart and savory notes to make one complex, flavorful cocktail. You'll want to sip on this gin gimlet all throughout the fall.
5 from 99 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Steeping Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 230kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Ingredients

For Pear-Sage Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3-4 fresh sage sprigs
  • 2 pears cored and diced

For Pear-Sage Gimlet

  • 2 ounces London dry gin
  • 1 ounce pear-sage simple syrup
  • ½ lime juiced
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish, optional

Instructions

For Pear-Sage Simple Syrup

  • Add water, sugar, sage and pears to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Turn off heat once it boils and the sugar dissolves.
  • Allow to steep for at least 10 minutes and strain. Use the back of a spoon to push down on the pears while straining to extract as much flavor as possible. Chill and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several weeks.

For Pear-Sage Gimlet

  • Add gin, pear-sage simple syrup, lime juice and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Put on the top and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. 
  • Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • To get the most juice out of the lime, I recommend firmly rolling the lime on the counter several times under the palm of your hand before cutting, and then use a handheld juicer to extract as much juice as possible.
  • For full tips, please see blog post.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 20g
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

Google Web Story: Fall-Inspired Pear Gimlet

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Comments

    5 from 99 votes (86 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Kristen Kimball says

    November 27, 2024 at 8:03 pm

    5 stars
    This has been a big hit in my big, extended family this Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for sharing. I am known in this family as the bartender (because I used to be) and for bringing a signature cocktail to all family gatherings. Sometimes I go to the internet for inspiration. Usually, I put some kind of my own spin on things. But I followed this exactly and it’s amazing. I completely agree with your comment about bringing a fancy cocktail bar into your home. Thanks for helping me be the person to do that in my fam! This one’s going to be a repeat offender, for sure.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 28, 2024 at 8:29 am

      Oh, I’m so glad to hear this was such a hit! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  2. Chef Dennis says

    September 18, 2021 at 11:23 pm

    5 stars
    Tasty! This Pear-Sage Gimlet will be our new favorite.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      September 20, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Cheers, Dennis!

      Reply
  3. Kate says

    November 20, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    We made this and it was amazing!! Totally loved it!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 20, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it, Kate! Cheers!

      Reply
  4. Debra says

    November 16, 2020 at 8:01 am

    5 stars
    Winner, winner....we have found our Thanksgiving cocktail for this year. It's going to be perfect with our menu too!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      I hope you enjoy! I think it’ll be the perfect touch to your Thanksgiving meal.

      Reply
  5. Chef Dennis says

    November 16, 2020 at 6:05 am

    5 stars
    I use to love gimlets and the pear simple syrup sounds like a delicious addition!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      They were made for each other!

      Reply
  6. Jo says

    November 15, 2020 at 11:59 pm

    5 stars
    That is one delicious cocktail. It looks stunning and I love anything pear. The flavors sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      I’m glad you like it!

      Reply
  7. Leslie says

    November 14, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    5 stars
    I'm absolutely drooling over this recipe! I love the flavors you used for this. Pear is amazing and I'm sure quite delightful in this drink!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 15, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      It's so good! If you love pear, I'm sure you'll be a big fan.

      Reply
  8. Tammy says

    November 13, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    You know, I've never had a gimlet before but I love the idea of sage and pear. That's such a unique and elegant twist...this looks so pretty!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 15, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks! Gimlets are so good and super refreshing. I think you'll love it!

      Reply
  9. Veronika says

    November 13, 2020 at 7:57 am

    5 stars
    Love this flavor combination! I love trying new drinks and this one looks absolutely delicious! Going to make it this weekend!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 15, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      Yay! Hope you loved it!

      Reply
  10. Beth says

    November 13, 2020 at 4:45 am

    5 stars
    This gimlet sounds like a wonderful way to enjoy fresh pears. And how tantalizing that you make your own pear-sage simple syrup - this is a must-try.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 15, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      I hope you love it, Beth!

      Reply
  11. Kathryn Donangelo says

    November 11, 2020 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    I love pear flavored drinks and so glad we made these over the weekend! So refreshing and loved the hint of sage in this cocktail. They are a perfect combination together. We love all of your cocktail recipes and looking forward to trying more!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 11, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      Awww, thanks so much, Kathryn! I’m so glad you enjoy them. Honestly, cocktails are my favorite to create. ??

      Reply
  12. Valerie Skinner says

    November 11, 2020 at 5:29 am

    5 stars
    This is such a wonderful flavor combination! The sage will pair so well with all of the Thanksgiving food I have planned. Can't wait to cheers with this.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 11, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      It will be the perfect touch to your Thanksgiving meal!

      Reply
  13. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    November 10, 2020 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    I am so crushing hard on this Amanda! I LOVE LOVE LOVE pear anything and the fact that you "paired" it with sage is genius! That Pear-sage simple syrup is just everything!!! Having the family over later and this is on the menu for libations!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 11, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      Yay! Y’all are going to love it — cheers!

      Reply
  14. Bernice Hill says

    November 09, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    Well. It's five o'clock somewhere and I'm craving a gimlet. Love the flavours you have used in this fall version and all the helpful cocktail tips in the post.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 09, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      I'm so glad they're helpful, Bernice! Hope you enjoy.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

More about me →

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    Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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    Christmas Roast Duck With Cranberry-Orange Glaze
  • A glass bowl of gingerbread ice cream with ornaments and gingerbread cookies around it with a gold spoon sticking out of the bowl.
    Gingerbread Ice Cream

Trending Recipes

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  • A close-up shot of the pellet grill brisket on a white plate with baked beans in the background.
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