Au Pear: A Pear Whiskey Cocktail with Chamomile Vanilla Bitters

Fall brings so many wonderful flavors to play with, and pears are one of my favorites. Their delicate sweetness and subtle floral notes make them a lovely match for warming spices, herbs, and spirits like whiskey.

Pear-infused vodka is a fun ingredient to experiment with in cocktails. Its fruity character works especially well with the warmth and spice of rye whiskey, opening up all sorts of possibilities for interesting flavor combinations.

That’s where Au Pear comes in. Made with rye whiskey, Wild Roots Pear Vodka, and Chamomile Vanilla Bitters, this simple three-ingredient cocktail is gently fruity, a little floral, and distinctly whiskey-forward.

Why Pear and Rye Whiskey Work Together

Rye whiskey has a distinctive spicy character, often with notes of pepper, cinnamon, and oak. Pear brings a softer, more delicate fruit flavor that complements those warmer notes beautifully.

In Au Pear, Wild Roots Pear Vodka adds the flavor of ripe pears with subtle floral notes and a hint of vanilla. It mellows the rye’s sharper edges while allowing the whiskey to remain the star of the drink.

How Chamomile Vanilla Bitters Complement This Pear Whiskey Cocktail

Chamomile and vanilla are a lovely match for pear. Chamomile brings a delicate floral character, while vanilla adds a soft, familiar warmth that works beautifully with the fruit and spice already in the glass.

Chamomile Vanilla Bitters also contain coriander, which has a subtle citrusy spice that plays particularly well with the rye. Together, these botanicals soften the whiskey’s edges while complementing its natural spice, giving Au Pear a balanced flavor where each ingredient still comes through.

Au Pear

Makes: 1 drink

1 1/2 oz rye whiskey

1 oz Wild Roots Pear Vodka

15 drops Chamomile Vanilla Bitters

pear slice, to garnish

Add whiskey, vodka, & bitters to a mixing glass and stir until well chilled. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with pear slice.

Make It Your Own

There’s plenty of room to play with the flavors in Au Pear. Swap the rye whiskey for brandy or an aged rum. Try adding a splash of coconut or vanilla flavored sparkling water for a lighter, bubbly version.

You can also experiment with different bitters. Cardamom Bitters would bring another dimension of warm spice to the pear and whiskey, while Ginger Sage Bitters offer a more herbal, spicy direction.

And, of course, you can adjust the balance of rye and pear vodka to suit your taste. A little more whiskey for a bolder drink, or more pear vodka to let the fruit come forward. There’s no single right way to make it. Play with the proportions, follow the flavors you enjoy, and make it your own.

Whether you’re mixing one up for a quiet evening or sharing a round with friends, Au Pear is a lovely way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Cheers!