There’s nothing like the refreshing taste of pear hard cider to welcome the crisp, cool days of fall. This deliciously light and fruity beverage is perfect for sipping on during the autumn months, offering a unique twist on traditional autumn hard cider. Whether you’re already a fan of pear cider or looking to try something new, this easy hard pear cider recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the season. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll learn how to make hard pear cider right at home and impress your friends with your cider-making skills.
Homemade pear hard cider is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with minimal equipment and ingredients. Whether you want to make a single gallon for personal enjoyment or a larger batch for a gathering, this recipe will walk you through the process.
This is one of my favorite autumn cocktails and it’s the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail. I love to serve this along with a fall charcuterie board. Make sure to check out my article to find out how to make the best fall charcuterie board ideal for entertaining friends and family.
How to Make Pear Hard Cider at Home
Making pear hard cider at home is easy and rewarding, especially if you enjoy homemade beverages. The process starts with fresh pear juice, which undergoes fermentation with yeast. This yeast consumes the natural sugars found in the pears and transforms them into alcohol over time. The best part is that you don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to get started, and the results are delicious.
For this recipe, you can use fresh pears that you juice yourself or store-bought pear juice. If you’re juicing your own pears, make sure they are ripe and juicy for the best results. Once you have your juice ready, the yeast does most of the work, converting the sugars into a light, crisp hard pear cider. The process takes around two to three weeks, and after fermentation, you’ll have a gallon of refreshing pear cider that’s perfect for casual sipping or sharing at small gatherings.
Fermenting at home gives you the freedom to control the flavor and sweetness of your cider. You can adjust the sugar levels, experiment with different pear varieties, and even add spices like cinnamon or cloves for extra warmth. Plus, since you’re making the cider yourself, you can be sure it’s free from artificial preservatives and additives, giving you a fresh, natural drink every time.
What are the Best Pears for Making Pear Hard Cider?
The type of pears you use plays a big role in the final flavor of your pear hard cider. The best pears for making cider are those with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Popular varieties include Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc pears, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- Bartlett pears are the most common choice for making pear cider because of their juicy sweetness. They produce a cider with a soft, fruity flavor that’s easy to drink.
- Anjou pears are a bit firmer and less sweet, which can add a nice balance of acidity to your cider, preventing it from being too sugary.
- Bosc pears have a spicier and more complex flavor, making them a great addition if you want to add some depth and richness to your cider. Their firm texture also makes them ideal for juicing.
For a more balanced and flavorful cider, try using a mix of these pear varieties. Combining sweet Bartlett pears with spicier Bosc or slightly tart Anjou pears can create a cider with layers of flavor that develop as it ferments. If you’re experimenting with different types of pears, remember that riper pears tend to yield a sweeter cider.
How to Make a Big Batch of Pear Hard Cider
If you’re making pear hard cider for a larger group or event, scaling up the recipe is straightforward. A gallon of cider is great for small gatherings, but if you need more, you can easily make a larger batch. For instance, to make 5 gallons of hard pear cider, you’ll need about 50-60 pears, or 5 gallons of pear juice if you’re using pre-pressed juice.
The process for making a big batch remains the same as for a smaller batch. Start by juicing your pears or preparing store-bought pear juice. Then, multiply the amount of yeast, sugar, and any additives you’re using (like pectic enzyme or yeast nutrient) by five to match the volume of juice. You’ll also need a larger fermentation vessel, such as a 5-gallon glass carboy or a food-grade plastic bucket, to accommodate the larger quantity.
The fermentation time and process don’t change, and you’ll still want to let the cider sit for two to three weeks before bottling. Once the fermentation is complete, you can bottle and age your pear hard cider as usual, making sure to store it in a cool, dark place to allow the flavors to develop further. This method is perfect for preparing cider for a fall party, holiday gathering, or any event where you want to impress your guests with a homemade batch of delicious pear hard cider.
What is the Best Yeast for Pear Cider?
The best yeast for making pear hard cider depends on the type of flavor profile you’re looking for. Champagne yeast is a popular choice because it ferments dry, producing a crisp and clean cider with higher carbonation potential. Cider yeast, specifically designed for fruit ciders, retains more of the natural pear flavor while adding complexity. Either option works well for this recipe, but cider yeast may provide a more traditional pear cider flavor.
Easy Pear Hard Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 10-12 ripe pears (about 4-5 pounds) or 1 gallon of pear juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pectic enzyme (optional, for clarity)
- 1/4 teaspoon yeast nutrient (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon wine yeast (recommended yeast: Champagne yeast or cider yeast)
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Water (if needed, to top off)
- Sanitizer (for equipment)
- EQUIPMENT
- Fermentation jug (1-gallon size)
- Airlock and stopper
- Funnel
- Large pot (if cooking pears)
- Strainer or juicer (if using fresh pears)
- Hydrometer (optional, to measure sugar content)
Instructions
Prepare the Pears
If using fresh pears, wash, core, and chop them into small pieces. You can either juice the pears using a juicer or cook them in a large pot with enough water to cover the fruit. If cooking, simmer the pears for 20-30 minutes, then strain the mixture to collect the juice. If using store-bought pear juice, skip this step.
Sanitize Equipment
Before starting, make sure to sanitize all of your equipment, including the fermentation jug, funnel, and any tools you will use. This prevents unwanted bacteria or wild yeasts from affecting the cider.
Add the Juice to the Fermentation Jug
Using a funnel, pour the pear juice into the fermentation jug. If you’re short on juice, you can top off the jug with a bit of water until you reach the 1-gallon mark. Add the pectic enzyme and yeast nutrient if using, and stir gently to combine.
Add Sugar (Optional)
If you prefer a sweeter pear hard cider, dissolve 1/4 cup of sugar into a small amount of warm water and add it to the pear juice. This step is optional and depends on your taste preference.
Add the Yeast
Sprinkle the wine yeast over the top of the pear juice. You can use either Champagne yeast or cider yeast, both of which work well for this recipe. Close the fermentation jug with a stopper and attach an airlock.
Fermentation
Place the fermentation jug in a cool, dark place (around 60-75°F) and let it ferment for about 2-3 weeks. The yeast will convert the sugars into alcohol, and you’ll notice bubbling in the airlock as the process occurs.
Rack the Cider
Once fermentation has slowed down and the bubbling stops, your pear cider is ready to be racked. Carefully siphon or pour the cider into clean bottles, leaving any sediment behind.
Bottle and Age
Cap the bottles tightly and let them sit for another 1-2 weeks to carbonate, or enjoy it as still cider. If you want a sparkling cider, add a small amount of priming sugar before bottling.
Serve
Chill the cider before serving. Rim the glasses with brown sugar and garnish with a thin slice of pear or a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
Notes
Alcohol: Approx. 5-6% ABV
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Carbohydrates: 10gSugar: 7g
Tips for Making the Best Hard Pear Cider
- Choose ripe pears: The juicier and riper the pears, the better the flavor of your cider.
- Monitor fermentation: Keep an eye on the airlock to ensure the fermentation process is progressing. Once the bubbling slows, your cider is almost ready.
- Adjust sweetness: If your cider is too dry for your taste, you can add a bit of sugar or honey after fermentation.
- Patience is key: The longer you let your cider age, the more complex the flavors will become.
Variations: Alcohol-Free Pear Cider
To make an alcohol-free version of this recipe, simply skip the yeast and fermentation process. Instead, combine fresh pear juice with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and heat the mixture on the stovetop. This creates a warm and comforting pear cider that’s perfect for fall gatherings and can be served hot or cold. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar to taste and garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick for extra flavor.
Other Great Fall Cocktails
Pumpkin Spice Mulled Wine
This pumpkin spice mulled wine combines the warmth of white wine with the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s the perfect autumn drink for cozy gatherings or festive holiday parties, offering a delightful blend of spice and sweetness.
Cherry Mulled Wine
The cherry mulled wine blends the boldness of red wine with the fruity sweetness of cherries, accented by warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Ideal for winter nights and holiday celebrations, this easy recipe is both flavorful and inviting.
Apple Cider Mojito
These apple cider mojitos are the perfect fall cocktail to transition from summer to fall. The classic mojito gets an autumn makeover with the addition of apple cider and fresh apples.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
This sparkling apple cider sangria is the idea fall cocktail, combining the taste of crisp apples with a touch of apple cider and the fragrant flavor or cinnamon it combines everything I love about fall into one glass.
Easy Pumpkin Sangria Recipe
Craving a simple, tasty fall sangria recipe with white wine? Look no further, because this pumpkin sangria has got you covered! This delicious fall cocktail wraps up all the cozy feels of fall into a single, refreshing glass. It takes white wine sangria, a traditional favorite, and jazzes it up with classic fall flavors like spiced rum, pumpkin pie syrup, pumpkin puree and cinnamon.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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