The Pear Collins: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

The Pear Collins is the orchard-fresh, delicately fragrant reinterpretation of one of the most enduring highballs in cocktail history. Built on the bones of the classic Tom Collins, this variation introduces pear’s floral sweetness, crisp autumn character, and subtle elegance—turning a warm-weather staple into a year-round crowd-pleaser with seasonal charm.

I. Origins

The Tom Collins: A Pillar of Highball History

The Tom Collins first appears in the 1870s and quickly becomes a hallmark of American bar culture. It was one of the earliest cocktails to standardize the “long drink” format—spirit, lemon, sugar, and soda water served tall over ice. The Collins family (Tom, John, Pedro, et al.) reflected shifting spirit preferences of their times, but the structure was always bright, refreshing, and approachable.

Pear Enters the Scene

Pears have deep ties to European distillation traditions. Pear eau-de-vie (Poire Williams), pear cider, pear liqueurs, and pear syrups have been produced for centuries across France, Switzerland, Austria, and Northern Italy.

Pear pairs naturally with botanicals and citrus, making it an ideal partner for:

• Gin’s juniper-citrus notes

• Vodka’s clean structure

• Soda water’s effervescence

Where the classic Collins is summery and crisp, the pear version adds perfume, warmth, and subtle orchard sweetness.

The Modern Pear Collins Emerges

The Pear Collins rose to prominence during the 2010s–2020s cocktail revival, when bartenders:

• Highlighted seasonal fruit

• Celebrated orchard ingredients

• Integrated culinary syrups into cocktails

• Reimagined sparkling classics with elegant twists

Bars from San Francisco to New York began adding seasonal Collins variations—blackberry, cucumber, rhubarb, peach—and pear quickly became a standout for fall and winter menus.

II. Historical Evolution

From 19th Century Highball to 21st Century Craft Cocktail

The Collins family adapts seamlessly to different eras:

• 1800s: London Dry gin + lemon + soda = refreshing antidote to heavy spirits

• 1900s: The Collins becomes a hotel-bar staple worldwide

• Post-war era: Vodka Collins emerges

• Modern craft era: Seasonal Collins variants flourish (pear, apple, pomegranate, basil)

The Pear Collins reflects this adaptability: it maintains the drink’s refreshing structure while adding depth and aromatics.

Orchard Spirits in the Cocktail World

Pear brandy and pear liqueur have long been prized for their complexity. Their resurgence in the early 21st century made pear an attractive cocktail ingredient once again.

As consumers shifted toward:

• lighter cocktails

• low-ABV options

• bright, clean flavors

• fruit-driven but not sugary drinks

…the Pear Collins became a natural menu addition.

Regional Variations

• US West Coast: Pear + rosemary or pear + ginger Collins variants

• UK & Europe: Pear eau-de-vie + London Dry gin Collins

• Japan: Asian pear syrups for cleaner, crisper versions

Bartenders embraced pear’s delicate flavor and its ability to elevate the Collins without overwhelming it.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Pear Collins is deceptively simple. Because the drink is tall, sparkling, and lightly diluted, ingredient quality matters immensely.

Key Ingredients

Gin (or vodka)London Dry gin is the classic choice; the citrus and juniper notes lift pear beautifully.

Pear Liqueur, Pear Syrup, or Pear Brandy

• Pear liqueur: light sweetness + aroma

• Pear syrup: richer, more dessert-like

• Pear brandy: dry, intensely aromatic

Most modern recipes use pear liqueur for balance.

Fresh Lemon JuiceEssential for acidity and brightness.

Simple Syrup (optional)If pear liqueur is sweet enough, no additional syrup is needed.

Soda WaterHigh carbonation is essential; flat soda makes a flat Collins.

Technique Priorities

• Shake the base lightly; avoid over-dilution.

• Add soda water last to preserve bubbles.

• Build tall over plenty of ice to maintain structure.

• Garnish simply so the pear aroma is uncluttered.

IV. Cultural Significance

1. The Collins as a Lifestyle Cocktail

The Pear Collins is approachable, refreshing, and easy to batch—making it ideal for:

• brunches

• weddings

• dinner parties

• outdoor gatherings

• fall and winter celebrations

Its sparkling nature and orchard aromatics make it feel celebratory without being formal.

2. The Return of Orchard Mixology

Modern bartenders love working with apples, pears, quinces, figs, and grapes. The Pear Collins is part of this movement toward terroir-expressive cocktails.

3. Seasonal Drinking

Consumers increasingly want cocktails that reflect:

• the season

• local produce

• culinary inspiration

The Pear Collins uniquely spans seasons—it works just as well in September as it does in January.

4. Light, Refreshing Drinks With Depth

The modern drinker prefers cocktails that are refreshing but not one-dimensional. Pear brings subtle complexity to the classic Collins blueprint.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Pear Collins

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin (London Dry)

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) pear liqueur

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice

• 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)

• Soda water, to top

• Garnish: pear slice or lemon wheel

Method

1. Add gin, pear liqueur, lemon juice, and optional syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake briefly (6–8 seconds).

3. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Top with chilled soda water.

5. Stir gently to integrate.

6. Garnish with a thin pear slice or lemon wheel.

Specs

• Glass: Collins or highball

• Ice: Cubes

• Garnish: Pear slice or lemon wheel

• Style: Sparkling orchard highball

Technique Notes

• Pear liqueurs vary in sweetness—adjust lemon or syrup accordingly.

• Do not overshake; dilution weakens the cocktail.

• Use highly carbonated soda water for best texture.

• A pear fan garnish elevates presentation for events.

Variations & Lineage

• Pear & Ginger Collins: Add ginger syrup.

• Poire Williams Collins: Use pear eau-de-vie for a dry, aromatic version.

• Sparkling Pear Collins: Replace soda with dry sparkling wine.

• Winter Pear Collins: Add allspice dram or cinnamon tincture.

• Herbal Pear Collins: Add rosemary or thyme syrup.

Service & Pairing Tips

• Excellent with grilled chicken, soft cheeses, autumn salads, roasted vegetables, and seafood.

• Great welcome cocktail for fall gatherings.

• Works beautifully for day drinking due to refreshing profile.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

The Pear Collins stands at the crossroads of classic mixology and modern culinary creativity.

Why It Works

• Pear enhances the Collins structure without overwhelming it.

• It brings autumn/winter appeal to a summer classic.

• It is accessible yet sophisticated.

• It represents modern seasonality in cocktails.

A Modern Staple

While not yet as ubiquitous as the French 75 or Aperol Spritz, the Pear Collins is quickly becoming a favorite among bartenders and home mixologists.

Expect it to remain a go-to choice for elegant, orchard-inspired drinking.