This Bourbon Persimmon Cocktail tastes like late fall in a glass! Made with bourbon, a persimmon simple syrup, and a dash of bitters, this drink is similar to an Old Fashioned...but better!
What is a Persimmon?
There are two common varieties of Asian persimmons, the Fuyu and the Hachiya. My neighbor happens to have a Hachiya tree, so that is the variety I used for this recipe.
Hachiya persimmons are a light orange color when picked, heart or acorn-shaped, and can be astringent. They have a high amount of tannins so you do not want to bite into one until it is super soft and ripe (trust me on this one).
Fuyu persimmons are more round-shaped. They also have tannins but are much less astringent than the Hachiya variety. You can eat this type while it is still firm and more like an apple.
How do you Know When A Hachiya Persimmon is Ripe?
Hachiya persimmons will ripen at room temperature. Although you want to pick them when they are firm and light orange, you do not want to eat them yet! You will know the fruit is ready to eat when it feels soft to the touch, like a very ripe tomato, and the color has become much darker. The leaves at the top should come off pretty easily at this point as well. If you want your persimmons to ripen faster, you can place them in a paper bag with an apple.
Are Persimmons Good For You?
Yes, persimmon fruit is good for you! They are full of vitamin A and other nutrients like thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, and phosphorous. Persimmons are also known for their high fiber content, antioxidant qualities, and possible anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to Make a Bourbon Persimmon Cocktail
Place all of the ingredients in a mixing glass with fresh ice. Stir until nice and cold. Strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a persimmon wheel or orange peel.
How to Make a Dehydrated Persimmon Wheel
To make a dehydrated persimmon slice, take an unripened persimmon and slice it thin. Start at the bottom and work up to the top to get the star shape in the middle. Place the slices on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate for 6-8 hours at 135°F. You can also make dried persimmon slices in the oven. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 200°F for 3-4 hours, flipping every hour.
Tools Needed to Make a Persimmon Old Fashioned
More Bourbon/Whiskey Cocktail Recipes You Might Like
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- Tiki Bitters Whiskey Sour
- Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
- Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipes
Bourbon Persimmon Cocktail
Equipment
- mixing glass
- bartenders spoon
- low ball cocktail glass
- silicone ice mold (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce persimmon syrup
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
- dried persimmon wheel or orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass with fresh ice. Stir until nice and cold.
- Strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a persimmon wheel or orange peel. Cheers!
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make this Persimmon Cocktail?
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Ruth Grindeland says
Hi, I found persimmon at my store and I had no idea what to do with it. I am so happy I found this recipe. I will let you know how it turns out (I am sure it will be great.)
Emily says
I hope you love it, it's such a unique fruit!
Jamie says
This is perfect for the holidays!
Emily says
Yes, I agree! Enjoy!
Andrea says
What great flavors in this cocktail! I can't wait to taste this.
Emily says
I hope you get a chance to try it soon!
Sharon says
This cocktail is great to serve on repeat for persimmon season! It's so yummy and very easy to make.
Emily says
Thanks, Sharon. It's easy to have more than one of these 😁
Mahy says
Love how delicious this cocktail looks. Perfect for the holiday season!
Emily says
Thanks, Mahy. Cheers!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This is such a gorgeous colour and perfect for my Christmas party! Such great flavours too.
Emily says
This will be perfect for your party. Cheers!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
Love this for the season!
Marcellina says
I adore persimmons but never thought to make a cocktail with them! Genius!
Emily says
Somehow I ended up with a huge bowlful this year so a cocktail made perfect sense.😁
Rosanna says
Adored this! So festive and loved the flavours
Shilpa says
Love it. Perfect for parties and get-togethers. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Emily says
You are welcome, enjoy!
Andréa Janssen says
It was a delicious cocktail recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Emily says
You are so welcome 😊
Sabrina says
This is so good, I love persimmon and it is a delicious holiday cocktail, will make again.
Emily says
Thanks, Sabrina!
Amanda Scarlati says
Loved this cocktail so much! The persimmon flavor was perfect. Making again for Christmas Eve!
Emily says
Thanks, Amanda. And cheers on Christmas Eve!!🥂