Country living means sharing the harvest, whether you planned to or not.

Because we had such a hot, dry summer, bears descended on us in droves at the Happy Gut farm this year. They went straight for my pear tree and grapevines. I managed to pick some of the fruit, but they polished off whatever I missed.

We currently have the most beautiful mama bear and her two cubs hanging out in our neighbourhood. We give them their space, and they go about their business. They are much more interested in finding food than they are in us. That is part of the beauty of living in the mountains alongside wildlife.

And it isn’t only the bears enjoying the harvest. A flock of crows showed up last week to finish the plums I missed on the tree, while the squirrels have been working overtime collecting nuts from our hazelnut trees. Nothing goes to waste around here!

It is all part of country living, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it.

I saved enough pears to make this Pear Clove Cinnamon Water Kefir Soda. Sweet, juicy pear is paired with warming cinnamon and whole cloves for a homemade probiotic soda that tastes like fall in a glass. It is gently spiced, naturally refreshing, and a lovely way to use fresh pears while they are in season.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Water Kefir Soda

Pear has a soft, delicate sweetness that works beautifully in a second ferment. Cinnamon adds familiar warmth, while cloves bring a deeper, fragrant spice that keeps the finished drink from tasting overly sweet.

The result is a lightly fruity and cozy water kefir soda that still tastes crisp and refreshing when served cold. It is perfect for that in-between time when the afternoons are still warm, but the cool evenings have us reaching for fall flavours again.