Persimmon Old Fashioned

Cold evenings always make me crave cocktails with deep, warm flavors, and this Persimmon Old Fashioned has become one of my favorite picks for the season. I first tried it when a friend dropped off a bag of ripe persimmons from their backyard tree, and I didn’t want them going to waste. Turning them into a syrup felt like the perfect excuse to mix a new twist on a classic bourbon drink, and it turned out to be a delicious idea.

This cocktail brings together the spirit of an Old Fashioned with a soft, fruity sweetness from the persimmon syrup. It feels festive enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for a quiet night at home. I love that it still tastes like the Old Fashioned everyone knows, only with a gentle seasonal touch that sets it apart from your usual Christmas cocktails.

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Why You’ll Love This

A Persimmon Old Fashioned brings together the bold character of bourbon with the soft, sweet fruit notes of a homemade persimmon syrup. The combination creates a balanced holiday recipe that works well during winter. It feels familiar yet interesting, making it a good option for both whiskey lovers and new cocktail drinkers.

Here are a few reasons it stands out:

• Simple ingredients with a seasonal twist.
• Smooth and balanced flavor that is not too sweet.
• Works well for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings.
• Easy to batch for parties or events.
• Beautiful presentation with warm colors and spices.

Altogether, this cocktail brings warmth, flavor, and a little seasonal fun to any winter celebration.

Ingredients

These ingredients work together to create a flavorful winter cocktail with rich bourbon, sweet persimmon, and subtle citrus notes.

The persimmon syrup blends easily with the bourbon, adding body and depth without overpowering the drink. Orange bitters add a touch of brightness that keeps the flavor profile balanced.

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz persimmon syrup
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Persimmon slice for garnish
• Star anise for garnish

Each ingredient plays an important role. The bourbon forms the backbone of the drink, giving it strength and warmth. The persimmon syrup adds a seasonal sweetness that feels soft and slightly spiced.

Orange bitters bring out the fruit notes and help tie the flavors together. The garnishes give the cocktail a cozy aroma and a polished look.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right bourbon can elevate this persimmon cocktail, and you have plenty of great options depending on the flavor profile you enjoy. Some bourbons offer sweeter notes that complement the persimmon syrup, while others bring a bit of spice that pairs well with the garnish. If persimmons are hard to find, you can still make something close with a different fruit syrup.

• Maker’s Mark: Soft caramel and vanilla notes pair perfectly with persimmon syrup.
• Woodford Reserve: Offers a richer flavor that stands up well to fruit based ingredients.
• Buffalo Trace: A balanced bourbon that blends smoothly with orange bitters.
• Persimmon Syrup Substitute: Apricot syrup or pear syrup adds a similar soft fruit flavor if persimmons are unavailable.
• Bitters: Orange bitters are ideal, but aromatic bitters work if needed.

These choices help you create a version that suits your taste and what you already have stocked at home.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic tools to make a Persimmon Old Fashioned, which makes it easy to prepare on a weeknight or for guests. A mixing glass is helpful because it allows you to control the dilution while stirring. A rocks glass shows off the warm orange color and holds a large ice cube well.

You’ll want:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Large ice cube mold

A large ice cube melts slowly and keeps the flavor smooth from the first sip to the last.

How to Make It

This cocktail follows the classic Old Fashioned method of stirring rather than shaking, which helps keep the drink clear and smooth. Taking your time with the stirring step ensures proper chilling without watering down the flavors too much. The garnishes add aroma and a festive look, perfect for winter cocktails.

1. Add the bourbon, persimmon syrup, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until the drink is chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a persimmon slice and a star anise pod.
5. Serve and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors.

If you like your Old Fashioned slightly sweeter or stronger, adjust the syrup amount or bourbon ratio to your preference.

Pro Tips

Small adjustments can make this Persimmon Old Fashioned even better. Paying attention to dilution, syrup consistency, and garnish aroma can help enhance the overall experience. These tips help you get a smooth, balanced drink every time.

• Use a thick persimmon syrup for a richer texture.
• Stir longer if you prefer a more mellow flavor.
• Add a small squeeze of orange peel oil for extra brightness.
• Keep your bourbon chilled for a cleaner finish.
• Garnish with fresh persimmon for the best color.
• Try a cinnamon stick instead of star anise for a sweeter aroma.
• Taste as you go to fine tune the sweetness level.

These ideas give you room to explore different flavor variations without losing the core structure of the drink.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to customize based on your preferred level of sweetness or fruitiness. You can switch syrups, bitters, or even the base spirit while keeping the cozy winter theme. Here are a few fun variations to try.

• Swap bourbon for rye whiskey to add spicier notes.
• Use pear syrup for a brighter, fruit forward twist.
• Add a splash of vanilla syrup for a dessert style version.
• Try a non alcoholic whiskey to create a zero proof option.
• Mix in a touch of ginger syrup for warm holiday spice.

Each variation gives you a slightly new take on the seasonal flavor.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Persimmon Old Fashioned is perfect for winter gatherings, holiday parties, or any evening when you want a slow sipping cocktail. It works well as a signature drink for Christmas dinners or seasonal celebrations. The warm, fruity notes make it versatile with a wide range of appetizers and desserts.

Try pairing it with:

• Spiced nuts or candied pecans
• Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar
• Holiday cookies or gingerbread
• Similar cocktails like a Maple Old Fashioned or Apple Cider Old Fashioned

These pairings bring out the richness of the bourbon and the softness of the persimmon.

Storage and Serving Notes

A Persimmon Old Fashioned is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the persimmon syrup ahead of time. The syrup keeps for up to a week in the refrigerator, which makes it easy to mix individual drinks whenever you want. Avoid stirring the drink too far ahead because dilution happens quickly.

If you want to make a batch for a party, mix the bourbon and syrup in advance, then add bitters and ice when serving each glass. This helps keep the drink balanced and avoids over dilution.

FAQs

If you are trying this cocktail for the first time, these common questions can help guide you. Since persimmon syrup is a seasonal ingredient, people often wonder how best to use and store it.

What type of persimmon should I use for the syrup?
Fuyu persimmons work best because they stay firm and are easier to cook down into a thick syrup.

Can I make this cocktail without bitters?
You can, but the bitters help balance the sweetness and tie the flavors together. Orange bitters are ideal for this recipe.

Is this drink very sweet?
It is mildly sweet, but you can adjust the syrup amount to match your taste. Adding an extra dash of bitters also helps reduce sweetness.

Can I use a different garnish?
Yes, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, or a clove studded slice of fruit all work well and add extra aroma.

Does bourbon choice make a big difference?
The bourbon helps shape the entire drink. Choose one with warm notes of vanilla, oak, or caramel for the best balance.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy winter cocktails with warm seasonal flavors, here are more drinks that pair nicely with a Persimmon Old Fashioned. Each one brings a cozy twist that works well during the colder months.

• Maple Old Fashioned – A sweet, woodsy version of the classic.
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour – Tart, bright, and perfect for holidays.
• Caramel Hot Toddy – A warm drink ideal for cold nights.
• Pear Bourbon Smash – Fruity and aromatic with autumn vibes.
• Mulled Wine – A spiced holiday drink full of deep flavor.