The Persimmon Paloma offers a seasonal twist on the classic, pairing rich reposado tequila with the mellow sweetness of persimmon syrup and a splash of citrus. Sparkling water brings brightness, while lime adds crisp contrast. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and an ideal way to enjoy persimmons outside of the kitchen.
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Tasting Notes
The Persimmon Paloma brings a seasonal twist to the classic Mexican cocktail. Reposado tequila provides a smooth, oaky base that blends naturally with the rich, honeyed flavor of persimmon syrup. Lime juice sharpens the edges, cutting through with just enough acidity to keep the drink crisp and lively. A splash of sparkling water softens the mix and adds a refreshing finish. This drink is gently sweet, citrusy, and grounded by the earthy character of aged tequila. Every sip highlights the interplay between ripe fruit, bright lime, and subtle wood notes.
Equipment and Glassware
To make this Persimmon Paloma, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and bar spoon. A citrus press or handheld juicer will help extract fresh lime juice. The ideal glass for serving is a highball or Collins glass, which gives enough room for ice and sparkling water. Using a sturdy shaker ensures proper mixing and chilling of the tequila, syrup, and lime juice. A sharp paring knife will come in handy for slicing the lime wheel garnish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz reposado tequila
- 0.75 oz persimmon syrup
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 1 oz sparkling water
Garnish:
- Lime wheel
Instructions
- Add tequila, persimmon syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix and garnish with a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, homemade persimmon syrup for deeper flavor
- Choose a reposado with vanilla or light spice notes for balance
- Shake until the shaker feels very cold to the touch
- Strain over clear ice for a cleaner presentation
- If your syrup is very thick, reduce slightly with warm water before shaking
- Top with grapefruit soda instead of sparkling water for a more classic Paloma profile
- Chill your highball glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder
- Adjust lime juice depending on how tart your persimmons are
- Add a pinch of salt to the shaker for enhanced flavor contrast
- Garnish with a slice of persimmon for extra visual appeal
When to Serve
This Persimmon Paloma is a perfect choice for late fall and early winter, when persimmons are at their peak. It also works well for holiday gatherings, brunches, or casual dinner parties where you want something refreshing but seasonal. The Persimmon Paloma offers a balance of smooth, fruity, and crisp that fits both warm afternoons and cozy evenings. Its approachable profile makes it an easy serve for guests who prefer tequila cocktails with a bit of a twist.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Reposado Tequila:
- Espolòn Reposado
- El Tesoro Reposado
- Cazadores Reposado
- Sparkling Water:
- Topo Chico
- San Pellegrino
- Fever-Tree Club Soda
Similar Cocktails
- Beer Margarita
- Frozen Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita
- White Peach Vodka Fizz
- Mango Ranch Water
- Cantarito
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz reposado tequila
- 0.75 oz persimmon syrup
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 1 oz sparkling water
Garnish:
- Lime wheel
Instructions
- Add tequila, persimmon syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix and garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use ripe Hachiya or Fuyu persimmons to make the syrup for the best flavor.
- A reposado with warm oak and spice notes adds depth without overpowering the fruit.
- Chill the sparkling water ahead of time so it doesn’t melt the ice when poured in.