Discover how apples and persimmons pair in this easy cocktail recipe, perfect for fall entertaining and holiday gatherings.
Read on to get the deets on this easy cocktail recipe for our original Apple & Persimmon Kicker.
Apple & Persimmon Kicker
Apples and Persimmons are quintessential fall fruit flavors during the chilly months of autumn.
And really, any time of the year is a perfect time to try a new drink. We never had persimmons in a cocktail before- have you?
I really believe once you have a little sip of this, it may just become your favorite Fall or anytime-of-the-year cocktail.
This is also the perfect holiday palliative and would make a great addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s festivities.
If done right, with a bit of attention to detail, cocktails can be both beautiful and delicious.
We think our Apple & Persimmon Kicker fits the bill. So gather all of the ingredients and give this one a try.
Make it hours (or a day) ahead of time to allow the delicious flavors to meld, and you’ll have it ready to go for your guests, and I guarantee they’ll be asking for more. Cheers!
Ingredients:
1 serving
- 2 1/2 ounces apple cider
- 1-ounce apple liqueur
- 1 tsp persimmon simple syrup (recipe below)
- 1.5 oz apple-flavored vodka
- Juice of half a lemon
- Granny Smith apple wedges
- lemon slice
- ice cubes
Directions:
1. Add apple cider, apple liqueur, simple persimmon syrup, apple-flavored vodka, juice of half a lemon, and ice into a Martini shaker and shake it (10-15 seconds), but don’t break it!
2. Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice cubes.
3. Garnish with Granny Smith apple wedges and lemon slices.
Simple Syrup Directions:
Ingredients:
- 1 persimmon
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick or star anise
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- sprinkle of cardamom
Prep. You will need the following tools. A small bowl, measuring spoons, a large soup spoon, a saucepan, and a fine mesh strainer.
- Over a small bowl to catch any juice from the persimmon, cut and remove the top third of the fruit. Carefully insert the soup spoon between the outer skin and the ripe fruit, then scoop the fruit into the bowl. Scrape out all the fruit and juice, and don’t worry about the seeds because you’ll strain the syrup at the end.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 2 cups of sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- 2. Reduce heat to low and stir in spices and persimmon. Break up the fruit to release more juices and simmer for 15 minutes; strain into a large measuring cup.
- Transfer into a Mason jar with lid and refrigerate until cool. Make this a day or more in advance.
What flavor is persimmon?
Persimmon offers a sweet flavor, which some say reminds them of a melon like a cantaloupe.
Sometimes, if your persimmon isn’t ripe, it can taste a bit sour.
More Persimmon Drinks:
Apple Cider Persimmon Cocktail
Is persimmon a fruit or berry?
Persimmon is considered a berry.
It looks similar to a tomato, but it grows on a fruit tree.
You can pick it and eat it in recipes or, of course, use it for a drink like this one.
What is apple liqueur?
Apple liqueur can be like an apple pucker or even an apple Schnapps.
They do contain alcohol; it is a lower proof, but it is alcoholic.
Do you eat the apples in the cocktail?
You can eat the apples in the cocktail if you would like.
I find they are delicious to nibble on while you are working on your cocktail.
They kind of soak up some of the flavor. But if you prefer, you can toss them if you don’t want to eat them.
Can I double this cocktail recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make as many drinks as you like, or even a pitcher full to serve a crowd.
This cocktail tastes best served fresh.
If you prep your apples in advance, soak them in lemon-lime soda or drizzle lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
More Fall Cocktails:
Apple and Persimmon Kicker
Ingredients
ingredients for the cocktail
- 2 1/2 ounces apple cider
- 1- ounce apple liqueur
- 1 tsp persimmon simple syrup recipe below
- 1.5 oz apple-flavored vodka
- Juice of half a lemon
- Granny Smith apple wedges
- lemon slice
- ice cubes
Persimmon Simple Syrup Ingredients:
- 1 persimmon
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick or star anise
- sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
directions on how to make the cocktail
- Add apple cider, apple liqueur, simple persimmon syrup, apple-flavored vodka, juice ohalf a lemon, and ice into a Martini shaker and shake it (10-15 seconds), but don't break it!
- Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with Granny Smith apple wedges and lemon slices.
Directions for Persimmon Simple Syrup
- Prep. You will need the following tools. A small bowl, measuring spoons, a large soup spoon, a saucepan, and a fine mesh strainer.
- Over a small bowl to catch any juice from the persimmon, cut and remove the top third of the fruit. Carefully insert the soup spoon between the outer skin and the ripe fruit, then scoop the fruit into the bowl. Scrape out all the fruit and juice, and don't worry about the seeds because you'll strain the syrup at the end.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 2 cups of sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in spices and persimmon. Break up the fruit to release more juices and simmer for 15 minutes; strain into a large measuring cup.
- Transfer into a Mason jar with lid and refrigerate until cool. Make this a day or more ahead of time.
Notes
Simple Syrup Directions:
Ingredients:
- 1 persimmon
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick or star anise
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- sprinkle of cardamom
- Over a small bowl to catch any juice from the persimmon, cut and remove the top third of the fruit. Carefully insert the soup spoon between the outer skin and the ripe fruit, then scoop the fruit into the bowl. Scrape out all the fruit and juice, and don't worry about the seeds because you'll strain the syrup at the end.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 2 cups of sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- 2. Reduce heat to low and stir in spices and persimmon. Break up the fruit to release more juices and simmer for 15 minutes; strain into a large measuring cup.
- Transfer into a Mason jar with lid and refrigerate until cool. Make this a day or more ahead of time.
Created 10/2015 | Updated 10/2026
Andrea@TablerPartyOfTwo says
Love this and featured it on Sunday Features this week!