Some drinks surprise you with their flavour even before you take a sip. The Pear & Parsnip Soda is one of them. With its soft pear sweetness, garden-fresh botanicals, and an earthy, almost nutty undertone from parsnip, this non-alcoholic highball is as intriguing as it is refreshing.
It’s built around Seedlip Garden 108, a vibrant, herbaceous spirit with notes of peas, hay, spearmint, and rosemary. Paired with a pear and parsnip shrub, it delivers a sweet–savoury balance you won’t find in your average soda. Finished with crisp club soda and a striking parsnip ribbon garnish, it’s the kind of drink that sparks conversation and keeps guests coming back for another round.
Why Pear and Parsnip Work Together
On paper, pear and parsnip might seem like an unlikely duo. But when you think about flavour balance, it makes perfect sense.
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Pear brings juicy sweetness, floral perfume, and a silky texture.
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Parsnip offers an earthy, slightly nutty depth with natural sugars that caramelise beautifully in cooking — and, in this case, infuse subtly into the shrub.
Together, they create a flavour bridge between the crisp green botanicals of Seedlip Garden 108 and the clean sparkle of soda water.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
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45ml (1½ oz) Seedlip Garden 108 – a herbaceous, alcohol-free spirit with fresh garden notes.
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30ml (1 oz) pear & parsnip shrub – tangy, sweet, and earthy.
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Club soda – enough to top the drink.
Glassware & Garnish
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Highball glass – tall to show off the parsnip ribbon garnish.
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Parsnip ribbon – peeled lengthways for a visual twist.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare Your Glass
Fill a highball glass with plenty of cubed ice to keep the drink chilled without over-diluting.
2. Build the Drink
Pour 45ml Seedlip Garden 108 over the ice, followed by 30ml pear & parsnip shrub.
3. Top with Soda
Gently top with chilled club soda, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation.
4. Garnish
Curl a long parsnip ribbon inside the glass or drape it across the rim for a striking, garden-to-glass presentation.
Ingredient Spotlight
Seedlip Garden 108
This is the green heart of the drink. Seedlip Garden 108 is distilled from botanicals like peas, hay, spearmint, rosemary, and thyme. It’s fresh, grassy, and aromatic — a perfect base for earthy, vegetable-led cocktails.
Pear & Parsnip Shrub
A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup, often infused with fruit, herbs, or vegetables. In this recipe, the pear brings juicy sweetness while parsnip contributes an earthy depth. The vinegar provides a tang that cuts through and brightens the drink.
Club Soda
Neutral, bubbly, and crisp — club soda lifts and lengthens the flavours without overpowering them.
The Perfect Pairing Scenarios
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Garden parties – match the herbal freshness with canapés, crudités, or goat’s cheese crostini.
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Sunday brunch – a lighter, fresher alternative to juice-based cocktails.
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Outdoor dinners – pairs beautifully with chargrilled vegetables, fresh salads, or herby pasta.
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Mindful evenings – enjoy the ritual of mixing a cocktail without any alcohol content.
Tips for Serving Like a Pro
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Chill your glassware before building the drink to keep it cold longer.
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Use fresh soda — flat bubbles mean flat flavour.
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Highlight the garnish by peeling the parsnip into extra-long ribbons for maximum visual effect.
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Batch the shrub ahead of time so you can make multiple drinks quickly for guests.
Seasonal Twists
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Autumn version – add a pinch of cinnamon to the shrub for warmth.
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Spring twist – swap pear for apple in the shrub for a crisper flavour.
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Festive serve – float a star anise pod in the glass for a subtle spice aroma.
Cocktails to Try Next
If the Pear & Parsnip Soda has won you over, here are a few more to explore:
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Seedlip Garden Booch – a tangy, kombucha-based refresher.
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Seedlip Cherry Blossom – floral, delicate, and perfect for spring.
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Seedlip Grove & Soda – citrusy and bright for sunny afternoons.
