The Persimmon Aperol Spritz: a light, effervescent, and festive cocktail to ring in the New Year! Persimmon and lemon infused simple syrup gives this cocktail it’s sweetness, while being offset by the bitterness of the Aperol. Topped with some bubbly, and you’re ready to ring in the New Year!
Ah, The Aperol Spritz.
The gorgeous sunset-hued cocktail which, when drunk, makes you feel like you’re sitting in the Italian sunshine, enjoying a view of the Adriatic Sea.
Yea…I’m gonna need a constant supply of these with the arctic December temps here in Minnesota. But I digress.
But this is no regular Aperol Spritz. Oh no! A Persimmon and Citrus Simple Syrup is added for an additional burst of sunshine. Because there really is no such thing as too much sunshine.
The aforementioned syrup for this cocktail couldn’t be easier to make. I’ve talked about the use of simple syrups in cocktails in the past, but it’s worth mentioning again: they are so simple. Quite literally…eh, eh?
- Equal parts sugar and water.
- Bring to simmer until sugar dissolves.
- Add whatever flavors you’d like to infuse.
- Store in refrigerator for a week (if you don’t burn through it in one night).
Aren’t they just puuurrrtyyy?
I know, I know. The soft twinkling glow from the lights on my Christmas tree certainly add effect.
But you know what they say – looks aren’t everything. Especially with this bubbly little bevy.
BECAUSE IT’S DELICIOUS.
Traditionally, an Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco, which happens to be my holiday drink of choice.
(Read: I will, at any given time, have a case on hand).
The effervesence from the Prosecco gives this drink its light an refreshing drinkability. Feel free to add as much or as little ‘Secco as you like.
I love the balance of sweetness from the Prosecco and Simple Syrup versus the bitterness of the Aperol. Aperol is made from bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, a medicinal root.
Medicinal used in the same sentence describing a cocktail?! YUP.
Depending on how many of these little beauties you decide to make, you may have some of the Persimmon Citrus Simple Syrup leftover. Use it up!
- Add a splash to your standard vodka soda or a simple and delicious upgrade.
- Use in place of the orange liqueur in a margarita.
- Stir some in a whiskey sour for a different flavor profile.
However you make it, enjoy it. Cheers!
Persimmon Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
To make:
- 1 1/2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Persimmon Citrus Simple Syrup, recipe to follow
- Prosecco chilled
For the Persimmon Citrus Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 ripe persimmons
- 1 lemon
Instructions
To make:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add Aperol and simple syrup. Shake thoroughly to combine.
- Strain mixture in to a low ball glass filled with ice. Top with chilled Prosecco.
For the Persimmon Citrus Simple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, add sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Peel persimmons and cube flesh. Using a paring knife, carefully peel the rind of the lemon in to large strips. Place lemon rind and persimmon in simple syrup, and allow to steep until completely cooled.
- Transfer to a mason jar and keep refrigerated until using. Simple syrup will keep for one week.