Hey, it’s the weekend! It’s time to relax and celebrate some much needed downtime with another delicious cocktail created in The Worthey Household. Have you ever tried Persimmon in a mixed drink before? Me neither, until now! Read on to get the deets on this easy cocktail recipe for our original Apple & Persimmon Kicker.

Apple & Persimmon Kicker

Apples and Persimmons are some of the quintessential fall fruit flavors during the chilly months of autumn. And really, anytime of the year is a perfect time to try a new drink. We never had persimmons in a cocktail before, have you? Well, today is your lucky day! I have a super EASY cocktail recipe that involves both apples and persimmons. I really believe once you have a little sip of this, it may just become your favorite Fall or anytime of the year cocktail. This is also the perfect holiday palliative and would make a great addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s festivities. If done right, with a bit of attention to detail, cocktails can be both beautiful and delicious. We think our Apple & Persimmon Kicker fits the bill. So gather all of the ingredients and give this one a try. Make it hours (or a day) ahead of time to allow the delicious flavors to mend and you’ll have it ready to go for your guests and I’ll guarantee they’ll be asking for more. Cheers!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 ounces apple juice or cider
1-ounce apple liqueur
1-2 tsp persimmon simple syrup
1.5 oz apple-flavored vodka
juice of half a lemon
granny smith apple slice
lemon slice
ice cubes

Directions:

1. Add apple juice, simple persimmon syrup, vodka and ice into a Martini shaker and shake it but don’t break it!

2. Strain into chilled glass with ice cubes.

3. Garnish with granny smith apple wedges

What flavor is persimmon?

Persimmon offers a sweet flavor, which some say it reminds them of a melon like a cantaloupe. At times if your persimmon wouldn’t be ripe then it would offer a bit of a sour taste.

Is persimmon a fruit or berry?

Persimmon is considered a berry. They look similar to a tomato but they grow on a fruit tree. Then you pick and then eat in recipes or of course like this one use for a drink.

What is apple liqueur?

Apple liqueur can be like an apple pucker or even an apple Schnapps. They do contain alcohol, it is a lower proof but it is alcoholic.

Do you eat the apples in the cocktail?

The apples in the cocktail can be eaten if you would like. I find they are delicious to nibble on while you are working on your cocktail. They kind of soak up some of the flavor. But if you prefer you can toss them if you don’t want to eat them.

Can I double this cocktail recipe?

Yes, you can. Just make as many drinks as you would like or even make a pitcher full to serve a crowd. This is a cocktail that does taste best served fresh. If you prep your apples in advance make sure that you soak them in lemon lime soda or drizzle lemon juice over them to prevent the browning process.

Persimmon Simple Syrup Directions:

Prep. You will need the following tools. A small bowl, measuring spoons, a large soup spoon, a sauce pan and a fine mesh strainer.

Over a small bowl, to catch any juice from the persimmon, cut and remove the top third of the fruit. Carefully insert the soup spoon between the outer skin of the persimmon and the ripe fruit and scoop the fruit into the bowl. Make sure to scrap all of the fruit and juices out, and don’t worry about the seeds because you are going to strain the syrup once it is finished.
In a medium sauce pan bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 2 cups of sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in spices and persimmon. Break up the fruit to release more juices and simmer for 15 minutes, strain into a large measuring cup. Transfer into a Mason jar with lid and refrigerate until cool. This can be made a day or more ahead of time.