Being stuck in the house for all that time really did turn me into a bit of a beer and cocktail connoisseur. I still can’t decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I can say it led to some very fun experimenting. Between testing new food recipes and mixing up drinks for backyard happy hours, I found myself coming back to anything bubbly, bright, and perfect for summer.

Lately, I’ve been spending just as much time lounging outside in the sunshine as I have been in the kitchen, which is exactly how this Pear Prosecco Shrub ended up on repeat. It has the sweetness of ripe pears, a little tang from vinegar and lemon juice, and that crisp prosecco finish that makes every sip feel a little extra special.

If you love cocktails that feel fresh, a little unexpected, and still easy enough to make at home, this one is absolutely worth trying.

What is Pear Prosecco Shrub?

A shrub is a fruit-based drink component made by combining fruit, sugar, and vinegar to create a sweet-tart syrup. It has a little brightness, a little tang, and a lot of personality, which is probably why it works so well in cocktails.

This Pear Prosecco Shrub is a simpler, modern take on that idea. Instead of soaking fruit overnight, you simmer diced pears with water, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the fruit softens and the mixture reduces. After blending it smooth with lemon juice and chilling it, you have a flavorful pear shrub that is ready to be mixed into a sparkling cocktail.

Once gin and prosecco enter the picture, the whole thing becomes light, crisp, fruity, and just a little fancy without requiring much effort at all.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Fresh and summery: Pear gives this cocktail a mellow fruitiness that feels a little different from the usual berry or citrus-heavy drink.
• Balanced flavor: The pears and sugar bring sweetness, while the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar keep it from tasting too heavy.
• Bubbly and refreshing: Prosecco adds that crisp sparkle that makes this cocktail especially good for warm weather.
• Easy to prep ahead: You can make the pear shrub in advance, then mix drinks whenever you’re ready.
• Great for entertaining: It feels special enough for a brunch, shower, or backyard hangout, but it’s simple enough to pull together without stress.
• Flexible: You can keep it exactly as written or tweak the spirit, garnish, or sweetness level to fit your taste.

Ingredients

• Pears: The star of the drink, bringing natural sweetness and soft, mellow fruit flavor.
• Water: Helps create the base for the shrub and pulls the flavors together as the pears simmer.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps round out the tart edge from the vinegar and lemon.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the shrub its signature tang and a little depth.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the drink tasting fresh.
• Gin: Adds a clean botanical note that works especially well with pear.
• Prosecco: Finishes the cocktail with a bubbly, crisp lift.

Substitutions & Additions

If pears are not what you have on hand, apples or peaches would both work nicely here and give the drink a slightly different flavor. Apples would keep that crisp fall-to-summer crossover feel, while peaches would make it even softer and fruitier.

For the vinegar, white wine vinegar is a good swap if needed. It still gives you the tangy balance a shrub needs, but with a slightly lighter flavor.

If gin is not your thing, vodka is an easy substitute. You’ll lose some of the botanical depth, but the pear and prosecco still shine. You could also garnish with a lemon twist or a thin pear slice to make the finished drink feel a little more dressed up.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by heating a small saucepan over medium heat and adding water, diced pears, sugar, and vinegar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half and the pears are nice a soft and you can easily mash with a fork or the back of a spoon.

Remove the pot from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes or until basically cool to the touch.

Pour the mixture into a blender, adding the lemon juice, and blend on high for about 30 seconds until it’s a smooth liquid.

Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more to completely chill.

At this point the “shrub” is ready to make into a cocktail or if you’d like it to be a little smoother then you can also take some time to pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to filter out some more solids. I did not strain it and loved it just the same as the prosecco thins out the mixture quite nicely.

To make the cocktail, fill a highball or tall glass  – with fresh crushed ice. Add about 2-3 oz of the pear shrub and 1.5 oz of good quality gin – my favorite is Hendrick’s.

Stir gently to combine and top with prosecco – about 2-3 oz. Garnish with a lemon twist and a pear slice, if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choose pears that are ripe but still a little firm. If they are too hard, they won’t soften as easily or develop as much flavor while simmering. If they are overly ripe, the flavor can get a bit muddy.

Taste and adjust as needed. If you like a sweeter cocktail, add a little more sugar to the shrub. If you want more tang, a splash more vinegar can get you there. The best part about homemade cocktails is being able to nudge the balance until it tastes just right to you.

Make sure everything is well chilled before serving. Cold shrub, cold prosecco, and plenty of ice help this drink taste especially crisp and refreshing.

If you want a smoother finish, strain the shrub after blending. If you like a little texture and don’t mind a more rustic feel, leave it as-is.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail feels right at home in a highball glass over crushed ice, but it also looks especially pretty in a champagne flute or stemmed cocktail glass if you want something a little more elegant.

For garnish, keep it simple with a lemon twist or a thin slice of pear. Either one makes the drink feel polished without a lot of extra work.

Because this cocktail is bright and bubbly, it pairs really well with light appetizers, cheese boards, fresh salads, or anything you’d serve during a casual summer get-together.

Storage Suggestions

• Pear Shrub: Store the blended pear shrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Before Serving: Wait to add the gin, prosecco, and ice until you’re ready to drink it so everything stays fresh and fizzy.
• Extra Uses: If you have leftover shrub, try stirring it into sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the pear shrub ahead of time? Yes. You can make it up to a week in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix drinks.

Do I have to strain the shrub? No. Straining is optional. It will give you a smoother drink, but leaving it unstrained still works well.

What kind of prosecco should I use? A dry prosecco works best here because it balances the sweetness of the pears and sugar.

Can I make this without alcohol? Yes. Skip the gin and prosecco, then mix the chilled pear shrub with sparkling water instead.

Can I use a different spirit? Absolutely. Vodka is the easiest substitute if you want a more neutral base.

This Pear Prosecco Shrub is the kind of cocktail that feels a little special without being fussy. It has fresh fruit flavor, a nice tangy edge, and just enough sparkle to make it perfect for slow summer evenings, brunch with friends, or really any excuse to make something fun.

It has definitely earned a spot in my warm-weather drink rotation, and I have a feeling it will stay there for a while. And honestly, if I can keep finding pears at the store, I may be making this long past summer.