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it can be hard to navigate the holidays when you’re choosing to drink a little bit less. i know, because a few years ago i felt that way. i was drawn to making mocktails when i realized how easy and fun it is to come up with interesting flavor combinations that everyone can enjoy. this is a Spiced Persimmon Sour, it’s tart yet warming and filled with seasonal spices - it makes the perfect drink for a holiday table. it can be made with or without alcohol! or low abv!
Spiced Persimmon Sour Mocktail
(full recipe, grocery list, and step-by-step pictures below)
Ingredients
Spiced Persimmon Simple Syrup:
2 very ripe persimmons, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and sliced
Mocktail:
1 oz persimmon simple syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz NA orange sec (sub cointreau for alcoholic version)
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz chilled black tea (sub whiskey for alcoholic version)
1 egg white
Method
in a small saucepan, combine the persimmons, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, thyme, and ginger.
bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the persimmons are very soft.
remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick and thyme, and let it cool slightly.
blend the mixture until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp, pressing with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible.
in a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz of the persimmon simple syrup, NA orange sec, lemon juice, chilled black tea, and the egg white.
dry shake (without ice) for about 10-15 seconds to create a rich foam.
add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
strain into a chilled glass. garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of thyme if desired.
This may be a very silly question, but if we live in a part of the country where it's hard to find persimmons, is there another fruit we could use to make a similar version? I love a sour and would love to make an NA sour this thanksgiving!
Does the egg white act as an emulsifier? That looks so good!