Nothing beats the fizz of a homemade soda on a hot afternoon, especially when it’s as simple—and naturally sweet—as this Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda. I stumbled onto this recipe last summer when my pear tree went wild, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Instead of reaching for sugar-laden drinks, I blend ripe pears with sticky-sweet dates, then spike the mix with warming cinnamon and ginger. The first sip takes me straight to cozy autumn evenings, even in the middle of July. My kids call it “fancy juice,” but we all know it’s magic in a glass—effortless, bubbly, and just sweet enough without any guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
This isn’t just another soda—it’s your new go-to drink for so many reasons:
- Ready in minutes (plus chilling time – but trust me, it’s worth the wait!)
- No refined sugar – just the natural sweetness of ripe pears and dates
- Custom spice level – go heavy on the cinnamon or light on the cloves to suit your taste
- Kid-approved (my picky niece calls it “spicy apple juice” and begs for seconds)
- Perfect year-round – refreshing in summer, cozy in winter
The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so special. Now I always keep pears and dates stocked just for this!
Ingredients for Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this bubbly delight. I promise—no weird ingredients hiding in the back of your pantry!
- 2 ripe pears – cored and chopped (I like Bartlett or Anjou for their juicy sweetness)
- 4 Medjool dates – pitted (soak them for 10 minutes if they’re not super soft)
- 1 cinnamon stick – or 1/2 teaspoon ground if you’re in a pinch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – fresh grated works too, but use a bit less
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – trust me, this tiny amount makes all the difference
- 4 cups sparkling water – unflavored and chilled (I use whatever’s on sale!)
- Ice cubes – because everything’s better frosty cold
See? Nothing fancy—just good stuff that’ll make your taste buds dance!
How to Make Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
This drink comes together so easily you’ll wonder why you ever bought soda! Just follow these simple steps for the perfect bubbly treat.
Blend and Strain the Base
First, toss those chopped pears and dates into your blender with 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth – but don’t go crazy! Over-blending can make the mixture too frothy. I usually pulse about 30 seconds until there are no big chunks left.
Now, grab a fine mesh sieve and strain the mixture into a pitcher. This step is key – it removes any gritty bits and gives you that silky-smooth texture. (Pro tip: Press the pulp with the back of a spoon to get every last drop of that sweet pear essence!)
Infuse the Spices
Time to add some warmth! Drop in your cinnamon stick (my favorite part – it looks so pretty!), ginger, and cloves. Give it a good stir, then pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The longer it sits, the deeper those spiced flavors develop – I’ve left it overnight when I wanted extra boldness.
Before serving, taste it! Sometimes I add a pinch more ginger if I’m craving extra zing. Just remember – the sparkling water will dilute it slightly, so the flavor should be a tad stronger than you’d think.
Serve Chilled
When you’re ready, fish out that cinnamon stick (save it to reuse if you’re thrifty like me!) and fill glasses with ice. Pour your spiced pear juice about halfway up, then top with sparkling water. A gentle stir combines everything without losing those precious bubbles.
And voila! You’ve just made the most refreshing homemade soda – no fancy equipment needed. The ice keeps it crisp without watering it down if you drink it right away. Though in my house, it never lasts that long!
Expert Tips for the Best Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
After making this soda more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without secrets:
- Ripe pears are non-negotiable – if they don’t give slightly when pressed near the stem, they’re not ready (I sometimes let them sit on the counter for a day first)
- Double the dates if you like it sweeter – just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften first
- Overnight infusion makes the spices sing – I prep the juice base before bed for next-day perfection
- Strain twice if you’re picky about texture – once through a sieve, then through cheesecloth for ultra-smooth results
- Cold is key – chill your sparkling water and glasses beforehand for maximum fizziness that lasts
These little tricks turn a good soda into an “oh my gosh, what IS this?” moment every time!
Variations for Your Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists—I’ve tested them all!
- Apple magic: Swap pears for crisp Fuji apples (peel-on for extra flavor)
- Spice shuffle: Cardamom instead of cloves gives it an exotic floral note
- Citrus zing: A teaspoon of lemon zest brightens the whole drink
- Vanilla kiss: Add half a vanilla bean pod while infusing for creamy depth
- Herbal twist: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs make it unexpectedly sophisticated
My personal favorite? Apple-cardamom with a squeeze of orange juice—tastes like autumn in a glass!
Serving Suggestions for Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda
This bubbly drink shines alongside simple brunch favorites—think almond croissants or lemon ricotta toast. For parties, I float thin pear slices and extra cinnamon sticks in the pitcher. A sprig of fresh mint makes it downright fancy without any extra work. My neighbor loves it with sharp cheddar and crackers—the sweet-spicy combo is unreal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the scoop: The spiced pear-date juice (without sparkling water) keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed jar. Just give it a shake before using. Freezing’s a no-go—it dulls those vibrant flavors and changes the texture. When you’re ready, simply mix with fresh sparkling water and ice. I always make extra juice so I’ve got instant soda magic on demand!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on this bubbly treat – keep in mind these numbers can vary based on how sweet your pears are and which brands you use. (My neighbor’s backyard pears always make it sweeter than store-bought!)
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g (all natural from pears and dates!)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Not bad for something that tastes like dessert, right? The dates and pears pack in nutrients too – way better than that sugar-loaded soda you’d buy at the store!
Frequently Asked Questions
Oh, I get questions about this soda all the time! Here are the big ones:
Can I use dried dates instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes first until they’re soft and sticky. I keep a bag of dried dates in my pantry for soda emergencies!
Is this soda kid-friendly?
Totally! My littlest calls it “fancy juice.” For younger kids, I use half the spices—skip the cloves and do just a pinch of cinnamon and ginger. They’ll still feel like they’re drinking something special.
Can I make it ahead for parties?
Smart thinking! The juice base (without bubbles) keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2 days—just add sparkling water right before serving. The flavors actually get better as they mingle!
Honestly? The hardest part is keeping people from drinking it straight from the pitcher before the party starts. Not that I’d know anything about that…
Print
Magical 5-Minute Date Sweetened Spiced Pear Soda Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing spiced pear soda sweetened naturally with dates, perfect for a cool drink on a warm day.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, cored and chopped
- 4 dates, pitted
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Blend pears and dates with 1 cup water until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the pear-date juice.
- Stir well and refrigerate for 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Remove cinnamon stick and pour the spiced juice into glasses with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe pears for natural sweetness.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- For a stronger flavor, let the juice infuse longer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

