Our Persimmon Rye cocktail is made of ripe persimmons, rich maple syrup, and a medley of spices.
All of these flavors create a symphony of flavors that pair deliciously with rye whiskey.
Persimmon Rye Cocktail
Tis the season for merry-making, and having a jolly old time with a good hand-crafted cocktail.
I created this yummy cocktail with the holidays in mind. I chose sentimental flavors fit for the holiday season, hence the persimmon, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and ginger ingredients.
The addition of rye whiskey is appropriate if only for its taste profile being one of grass, pepper, and spice, and depending on the distiller, notes of fruit, oak, and smoke may be present.
After the first sip, you are transported somewhere over the rainbow or wherever you go where the world falls away, and good vibes prevail.
In my opinion, a good cocktail is a mini-vacation in a cup! Because a well-mixed drink can transport you into a world of both familiar and unique flavors that brighten your mood and delight the senses.
Our Persimmon Rye Cocktail is a perfect example of this transporting business.
What You Will Need To Make Our Persimmon Rye Cocktail
Persimmons. When it comes to persimmons, I prefer the sweeter and more desirable Fuyu variety, The two most popular types in the U.S. are the Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons.
The Hachiya is more astringent (or bitter) of the two. Also, the Hachiya is mushy, mainly when it is ripe. On the other hand, the Fuyu is less astringent, and when ripe the flesh of the fruit is still firm, and because of these favorable characteristics, I prefer the Fuyu persimmon.
Rye Whiskey. I am a big fan of rye whiskey! I especially enjoy them in the colder months because they are quite a bit spicier than bourbons and whiskey.
I am using Jack Daniels Rye for this recipe, but if you can also use Bulleit Rye. Old Overholt, or Wild Turkey 101. Also, I don’t recommend using high-end rye whiskey like WhistlePig; it will just get lost in the sauce. And besides, good whiskey is made for sippin’.
Fresh Lemon Juice, Pure Maple Syrup & Purified Water. Adding fresh lemon juice brightens up this delightful cocktail, and the maple syrup adds a warm woody sweetness that isn’t too overpowering.
The addition of purified water loosens the mixture a bit, not too much. Using tap water can introduce an off taste to the mixture, and you don’t want that at all!
Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cardamom, & Ginger. Here is where the warm spices come into play, each adding the distinct flavors reminiscent of the end of the year holiday season.
Orange Bitters. Bitters are all about adding a bit of complexity to a cocktail and also countering the sweetness. Orange bitters work well because they complement both the rye and persimmon.
How to make this whiskey rye cocktail with persimmons
Ingredients:
*this makes 2 servings
- 2 ripe Fuyu persimmons
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp of purified water
- 1-star anise pod
- 3 cardamom pods
- 6 crystallized ginger pieces
- 2 1/2 ounces Jack Daniels rye whiskey
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- 2 ounces San Pellegrino oakwood tonica
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
- Peel and chop two ripe Fuyu persimmons and place them in a blender. Blend until smooth, add maple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Pulse a for a minute.
- Place a saucepot over med-high heat and the persimmons mix of maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water into the pot.
- Add a stick of cinnamon, a single star anise pod, three cardamom pods, and six pieces of crystallized ginger. Bring the mixture to a low boil. Remove from heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise pod, and cardamom pods.
- Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This persimmon mixture can be made ahead.
- Pour the persimmon mixture into a cocktail shaker over ice, add rye whiskey and orange bitters.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into two coupes glasses and top with Oakwood tonica, and give each glass a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a star anise pod and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve.
What are the best rye whiskies for this cocktail?
When it comes to making mixed drinks, shy away from top-shelf spirits. Why? Because top-shelf booze will get lost in the sauce. Instead, go for middle-shelf spirits. Here are my top picks. Bulleit Rye. Old Overholt, or Redemption Rye, Wild Turkey 101, and New Riff Bottled In Bond Rye.
Can I make the persimmon mixture ahead?
Yes. It’s recommended to make the persimmon, lemon juice, and maple syrup mixture ahead, allowing the flavors to melt into a tastier flavor.
How do I make this into an alcohol-free drink?
Replace the rye whiskey with a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip Spice 94, Dream Light by Kin Euphorics, or Gnista Barreled Oak.
Now that you have the recipe for our Rye Persimmon Cocktail, all you have to do is grab the ingredients and make it happen. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line in the comments section! Cheers!
If you love Persimmons, try these persimmon recipes:
Apple Cider Persimmon Cocktail
And this rye cocktail is worth trying:
Apple Cider Whiskey Using Rye Whiskey
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Fuyu persimmons
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp of purified water
- 1- star anise pod
- 3 cardamom pods
- 6 crystallized ginger pieces
- 2 1/2 ounces Jack Daniels rye whiskey
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- 2 ounces San Pellegrino oakwood tonica
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Directions:
- Peel and chop two ripe Fuyu persimmons and place them in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add maple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Pulse a for a minute.
- Place a saucepot over med-high heat and the persimmons mix of maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water into the pot.
- Add a stick of cinnamon, a single star anise pod, three cardamom pods, and six pieces of crystallized ginger. Bring the mixture to a low boil. Remove from heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise pod, and cardamom pods.
- Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This persimmon mixture can be made ahead.
- Pour the persimmon mixture into a cocktail shaker over ice, and add rye whiskey and orange bitters.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into two coupes glasses and top with Oakwood tonica, and give each glass a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a star anise pod and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve.
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