One of our favorite things about Fall is when the persimmons come into season, because, when they arrive here in California, it’s a full-on windfall of persimmons. And one of our favorite drinks to make is this Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
This persimmon old-fashioned brings velvety fruit flavor to a drink that’s usually all spirits and citrus, giving it a fuller, more aromatic personality. Fans of classic whiskey drinks will appreciate how the persimmon old-fashioned keeps the structure of the original while adding nuance. It’s also fast to make, meaning your persimmon old-fashioned becomes your new signature holiday sipper.
Recipe Ingredients
The persimmon old-fashioned starts with ripe Hachiya persimmon, mandarin orange, and maple syrup for natural sweetness. Whiskey or rye adds backbone, helping the persimmon old-fashioned feel balanced instead of too fruity. Orange bitters and a cinnamon stick bring warmth that makes the persimmon old-fashioned taste like peak fall.
Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail Tips
This Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail is a slightly sweet, very autumnal twist on an Old Fashioned.
If you haven’t mastered the classic Old Fashioned Cocktail, don’t sweat, as we have thoughts. Head here for our top Old Fashioned Cocktail tips.
How To Make This Recipe
To build a Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail, you’ll muddle persimmon, maple syrup, and mandarin until just broken down. Add ice, whiskey, and bitters, then stir until your persimmon old-fashioned is well-chilled and cohesive. Finish by grating cinnamon over the top so each sip of the persimmon old-fashioned has a warm aromatic note.
Variations On This Recipe
Swap rye for bourbon if you prefer a sweeter Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail, or try añejo tequila for a warming twist. Add a splash of amaro for an herbal, more complex persimmon old-fashioned. Or muddle a bit of fresh ginger alongside the persimmon to give your persimmon old-fashioned extra spice.
What Types Of Persimmons Are There?
Here in the Golden State, we have both major types of persimmons – the squat Fuyu and the teardrop-shaped Hachiya.
The Fuyu stays firm and is best used like an apple (where you want the crunch). The Hachiya becomes very soft as it ripens, making it ideal for persimmon puree. So, while the Fuyu is a perfect pairing in salads, we turn to the Hachiya anytime we want persimmon purée, like in persimmon desserts or this Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe.
What To Serve With This
A persimmon old fashioned pairs beautifully with a cheese board built around creamy brie, aged cheddar, or nutty Alpine-style cheeses. Savory snacks like spiced nuts, cranberry brie tarts, grape agrodolce, or charcuterie bring out the whiskey’s depth in the persimmon old-fashioned. For dessert, try gingerbread or dark chocolate—both make a persimmon old fashioned taste even more luxurious.
More Cocktail Recipes
Need more cocktail inspiration beyond this Persimmon Old-Fashioned? Try these Salt & Wind Travel favorites next:
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium very ripe Hachiya persimmons seeded, ends trimmed and discarded, pulp scooped out
- 1/8 mandarin oranges
- 2 teaspoons Pure maple syrup
- Ice
- 2 ounces rye or whiskey
- 4 dashes orange bitters
- 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle The Persimmon: Combine persimmon, orange, and maple syrup in a rocks (aka lowball or Old Fashioned) glass and muddle just a few times to bruise the orange and just start to break up the persimmon.
- Mix The Old Fashioned: Add the ice, rye or whiskey, and orange bitters, grate a touch of the cinnamon over the top then stir with the cinnamon stick until chilled through. Serve.
2 thoughts on “Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe”
What does “1/8 mandarin oranges” mean?
It means one small wedge or slice that’s equivalent to 1/8 of the fruit.