Elevate your holiday feast with a refreshing Spiced Persimmon Mocktail! This delightful blend of sweet persimmon, coconut sugar, mulling spices, and a hint of vanilla bean is the perfect non-alcoholic option for your festive celebration.

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Spiced Persimmon Mocktail

When hosting get togethers during the holidays, I love to have a non-alcohol option on hand to keep it family friendly. The Spiced Persimmon Mocktail is a deliciously crafted drink that brings together warm mulling spices, sweet ripe persimmons, zesty lemon juice, and the zing of ginger beer.

For a rich, caramel flavor, I used coconut sugar for the spiced persimmon syrup. Light brown sugar also works well as a sub. Fresh vanilla bean paste is worth it when making the syrup, but you can use vanilla extract in a pinch. Persimmons are in season in late fall and have a sweet and honey-like flavor when fully ripe. When choosing persimmons, look for fruits with vibrant color, smooth skin, and a slightly soft feel.

This single-serve recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great non-alcoholic choice for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering. And, if you’re expecting a crowd, I’ve included a batch version that serves 8-10, perfect for sharing during festivities!

Ingredients for the Spiced Persimmon Mocktail

Spiced Persimmon Syrup:

• Persimmon: For a sweet, honey-like flavor and vibrant color.
• Coconut Sugar: Infuses a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Light brown sugar also works well here.
• Mulling Spices:  I had homemade mulling spices, but you can easily find prepackaged options at your local grocery store.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds a hint of aromatic warmth. You can use pure vanilla extract as a sub.

Spiced Persimmon Mocktail

• Spiced Persimmon Syrup: The flavorful base for the mocktail.
• Ginger Beer: Provides a zesty effervescence. I like Reeds. Feel free to use ginger ale instead, but it will lose some of that bold ginger spice.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing, citrusy kick. Fresh lemon juice is best in this recipe.
• Sparkling Water: Introduces bubbly effervescence for a light finish. I used LaCroix.
• Persimmon Slice, Thyme, Star Anise: Adds a festive and aromatic element to the mocktail with a persimmon slice, thyme, and star anise.

How to Make the Persimmon Mocktail

Start by creating the Spiced Persimmon Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine diced persimmon, coconut sugar, mulling spices, vanilla bean paste, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, and strain into a container.

For the single-serve Spiced Persimmon Mocktail, combine the spiced persimmon syrup, ginger beer, and lemon juice in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and top it off with sparkling water. Garnish with a persimmon slice, thyme, and star anise for that extra festive touch.

For the batch recipe, combine all the ingredients in a pitcher with ice, divide into glasses, and let the holiday celebration begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use other than persimmons?

If persimmons aren’t available, you can experiment with other fruits for a unique take on the mocktail. Consider these alternatives:

• Apples: Choose a sweet and crisp variety for a refreshing flavor.
• Pears: Opt for juicy and flavorful pears to add a delightful sweetness.

Is there a way to make the mocktail less sweet?

Yes! Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of spiced persimmon syrup. Start with a smaller quantity and add more to suit your taste preferences.

How do I make homemade mulling spice for the Spiced Persimmon Mocktail?

Crafting your own mulling spice blend is easy and adds a personal touch to your mocktail. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods
• 1 nutmeg, crushed into pieces

Instructions: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, cardamom pods, and crushed nutmeg. Stir the spices together until well mixed.

Can I add other herbs to the garnish besides thyme?

Get creative with your garnish. Rosemary, mint, or even basil can add a herbal twist to complement the flavors of the mocktail.

What’s the best way to get vanilla bean paste out of a pod?

To extract vanilla bean paste, split a fresh vanilla bean lengthwise, then use the back of a knife or a spoon to scrape the seeds from the inside of the pod, collecting the resulting paste for use in your recipes.

More Seasonal Mocktails to Enjoy

• Frozen Apple Cider Mockarita
• Ginger Pomegranate Mocktail
• Pumpkin Mocktail Sour

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