Polar Spice Pear Cider

Spice Pear Cider from Polar is shelved with the mixers and sodas, so treat it as a non-alcoholic flavored beverage rather than a fermented cider. The product details give no ABV or IBU, which fits that placement. Don't expect hop bitterness or malt. Flavors in this style usually pair ripe pear sweetness with the warm baking-spice notes people associate with autumn cider, such as cinnamon, clove or nutmeg. Exact fruit and spice balance and the level of carbonation aren't specified here, so check the label for those. Serve it well chilled, around 3 to 5°C, straight from the fridge. Cold keeps the sweetness in check and lets the spice read as warm rather than syrupy. For sipping, a tumbler or short highball glass over a few large ice cubes works well, and a stemless wine glass suits it if you want the aroma of the spice to carry. A thin pear slice or a cinnamon stick is a sensible garnish, but it isn't needed. Because it's sold as a mixer, it works as a base for spiced, fall-leaning drinks. Combined with a spirit such as bourbon, aged rum or apple brandy, the pear and spice notes make an easy highball in the style of a ginger-ale mixed drink. Use roughly two to three parts mixer to one part spirit, adjusted to taste. It also works on its own over ice or topped with a splash of citrus juice to sharpen the sweetness. At the table, expect it to go well with roast pork, sharp cheddar or aged Gouda, charcuterie boards and baked apple or pumpkin desserts.