Sparkling Pear & Thyme Fizz: The Sweater-Weather Spritz

If a September afternoon could be poured into a glass, it would look like this — pale gold, crisp around the edges, with just enough bubbles to make the day feel special. The Sparkling Pear & Thyme Fizz is that rare drink that works as easily for a midweek self-care moment as it does for the kind of gathering where people pretend to remember each other’s kids’ names.

The flavor is all about balance: pear juice brings gentle sweetness, thyme adds a whisper of earthiness, and the lemon keeps everything bright. A quick homemade thyme syrup turns pantry basics into something that tastes like it came from a bar menu you had to wait to get into. The bubbles — whether from sparkling water or a good splash of prosecco — do the rest of the heavy lifting.

It’s also fast. We’re talking ten minutes from “I could use a drink” to holding one in your hand, and most of that is just letting the syrup steep while you dig out the nice glasses. Serve it over ice, tuck in a pear slice, and suddenly your Tuesday feels like the opening scene of a romantic comedy.

And yes, it’s as good in pajama pants as it is with a swipe of lipstick.

Sparkling Pear & Thyme Fizz (Mocktail or Cocktail)

Like the sweater-weather version of champagne — crisp pear sweetness, herbaceous thyme, and just enough bubbles to make Tuesday feel like a party.

Ingredients

• For Thyme Simple Syrup
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• For the Drink
• ½ cup pear juice chilled
• 2 tbsp thyme simple syrup more to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup sparkling water mocktail or prosecco/champagne (cocktail)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: Thin pear slices + fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

• Make the thyme syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.
• Assemble: Fill two glasses with ice. Add pear juice, thyme syrup, and lemon juice.
• Top off: Slowly pour sparkling water or prosecco over the mixture.
• Garnish: Tuck in a pear slice and a sprig of fresh thyme for the “I totally planned this” energy.
• Serve immediately, because bubbles wait for no one.

Notes

• Swap pear juice for apple juice if needed; the thyme keeps it from feeling basic.
• Make a batch of thyme syrup ahead — it keeps for 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
• Perfect for brunch, book club, or pretending your living room is a boutique