Serves: 2-3 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight steeping)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes hands-on, overnight steep
🌟 Hey, Let’s Make Something Cool and Refreshing
This Pear & Sage Cold Brew is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is SO simple to make.
I tried it once at a little café on vacation, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how the fresh pear and sage added this subtle, earthy sweetness to cold brew coffee.
I came home and had to figure it out myself.
It’s got this chill vibe, perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. And honestly?
It makes you feel like you just treated yourself without needing to spend $8 at a coffee shop.
🍐 What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cold brew coffee (unsweetened, your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 2-3 fresh sage leaves
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pear slices and extra sage leaves for garnish (optional)
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe has a little piece of my weekend mornings in it. I love how it makes my kitchen smell when I muddle the sage and pear. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- The pear gives just the right amount of sweetness without making the coffee too fruity.
- Sage adds an earthy, fresh balance that keeps the drink feeling light.
- No fancy coffee gadgets needed.
- Looks like a café drink but only takes 10 minutes of your day.
- You can make the cold brew ahead and mix when ready.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brewing extracts smoother, less acidic flavors than hot coffee.
- Pear’s Natural Sugars: Pear infuses into the cold brew without overpowering it because it releases sugars slowly in a cold environment.
- Herbs & Coffee: Sage has natural oils that complement the slightly bitter notes of coffee, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Cold Steeping: Letting it rest overnight helps the flavors meld without any heat, preserving the delicate taste of the pear and sage.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using overripe pears—it’ll turn mushy and overpower the drink.
- Skipping the overnight rest—it needs time for the pear and sage to infuse.
- Adding too much sage—it’ll turn bitter if you go beyond 3 leaves.
- Not straining before serving—bits of sage and pear floating in your cup? Not fun.
- Using sweetened cold brew—it can make the drink overly sweet.
🥄 Tools You’ll Need
- Glass pitcher or mason jar
- Wooden spoon (for muddling)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Strainer
- Serving glasses
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No maple syrup? Try honey or simple syrup.
- Swap sage for fresh rosemary for a different herb vibe.
- Pear not in season? Use apple slices.
- Want it creamy? Add a splash of oat milk or almond milk.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the cold brew, pear, and sage the night before and strain in the morning.
- Prep sliced pears and store them in lemon water in the fridge to keep them from browning.
👩🍳 Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Pear & Prep the Sage
Thinly slice your pear and grab your sage leaves. No need to peel the pear unless you want to. Remove any tough stems from the sage.
Step 2: Muddle the Pear & Sage
In your pitcher or jar, add the pear slices and sage leaves. Use a wooden spoon to gently muddle them—you’re bruising the sage and pressing out a little pear juice, not smashing them into mush.
Step 3: Add the Cold Brew & Maple Syrup
Pour in the cold brew coffee and drizzle in the maple syrup. Stir gently to combine everything.
Step 4: Cover & Chill Overnight
Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge. Let it steep overnight (8-12 hours) to allow the flavors to really shine.
Step 5: Strain & Serve
In the morning, strain the cold brew to remove the pear slices and sage. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh pear slices and a sage leaf if you’re feeling fancy.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- The longer it sits, the stronger the pear and sage flavors become—strain them out early if you prefer a lighter flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve With This
- Almond croissants or a buttery scone
- A light yogurt parfait with granola
- Fresh fruit salad
- Avocado toast for a more savory pairing
🙋♀️ FAQ
Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?
Not recommended—hot coffee makes the pear taste weirdly cooked and the sage bitter.
What kind of pear works best?
Bartlett or Anjou pears—they’re juicy but not too soft.
Can I sweeten it more?
Absolutely, add more maple syrup to taste.
Can I use dried sage?
Fresh sage works best for this; dried will make it taste dusty and too strong.
🍐 Macros (Approximate Per Serving – without added milk)
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 11 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
✅ Pro Tips
- Muddle gently—don’t smash your pear into baby food.
- Strain well—no one wants sage bits stuck in their straw.
- Use high-quality cold brew—it’s the star of the show.
- Adjust sweetness slowly—you can always add more maple syrup later.
- Garnish before serving to make it extra pretty.
🌟 Let’s Wrap It Up
I hope this Pear & Sage Cold Brew becomes your new favorite treat. Give it a try, play around with the flavors, and make it your own. And when you do—come back and tell me how it went! Leave a comment below with your questions, ideas, or what you paired it with.
