This time last year I had no idea I’d be living in St. Louis. And that’s some really crazy shit you guys. Life in the Midwest proves to be slow and patient and kind, and we like it here. But, we also miss our family back east, a lot. Especially right now. This year Thanksgiving will look a little different. Just me, my husband and a bunch of aviation obsessed dudes who were transplanted to the Midwest like us. They’ll watch football, and eat brie and drink fancy cocktails. Chet and me will stay in the kitchen – just the way I like it.
Here are a few things that are on tap for our Thanksgiving celebrations.
For drinking:
These Persimmon Punch martinis
Black Peppercorn + Cranberry Shrubs
Sonja and Alex’s Pomegranate Cider Spritzer
For eating:
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Shallot + Sage Toasted Breadcrumbs
Roasted Acorn Squash with Caramelized Shallots
Super Veggie Sage Stuffing
Elizabeth’s Roasted Fennel + Satsuma Salad
Emilie’s Maple Roasted Harvest Vegetables
Lily’s Fennel Spiced Cranberry Sauce + Rosemary Chevre Mashed Potatoes
Renee’s High Vibe Pumpkin Pie with a dollop of my Vanilla Ginger Coconut Cream
These Persimmon Punch martinis, are sweet but not too sweet, and perfect with any spirit or sparkling wine of your choice. I hope you love them as much as I do. Wishing you all a warm and happy and healthy holiday. See you next week, xx.
Persimmon Cocktail with Caramelized Persimmon Pureé

A persimmon cocktail with caramelized persimmon pureé and your favorite spirit. Shake it till it's icy cold and serve it with a sprig of thyme.
Ingredients
Pureé Ingredients
- 3 medium persimmons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups filtered
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons persimmon pureé
- 1 ounce vodka, gin or bourbon
- 4 ounces club soda
- 1 cup ice
- sprig thyme (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Trim the leaves off the persimmons and then cut into quarters. Then in a mixing bowl toss the persimmon in the oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Spread them onto a baking sheet and nestle the sprigs of thyme on top.
- Roast for 45 minutes, flipping halfway. The persimmons are done with they are juicy, bubbly and soft throughout. Remove them from the oven and allow them to rest until they're cool enough to handle.
- In a blender combine the caramelized persimmons with the lemon juice and water, and process until smooth.
- To make the cocktail combine the persimmon pureé, spirit, club soda and ice in a martini shake. Gentle shake, strain into a martini glass and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Sophie | The Green Life says
This punch looks so delicious Sherrie! I would never have thought of roasting persimmons to use them in a drink…it’s brilliant!! And I love all the delicious links you posted here. So much inspiration! Thank you. <3
Lily | Kale & Caramel says
Yes yes YES! This is one hundred percent going on my list of cocktails to make on Thursday. My dad just told me he’s calling the persimmon farm to order a few pounds for us. If only you were gonna be on Maui with us! Thanks for the link love, lady. So grateful for you in my life this year.
Beth @ Tasty Yummies says
Holy WOW! These photos are gorg and I am drooling over this cocktail. I have been dreaming up persimmon drink concoctions, since I have so many coming from my CSA each week, so I HAVE to try this. Perfection, girl.
Happy Thanksgiving, love! Hope it’s a good one. xo
Shelley | Sevengrams says
I’m always looking for new ways to use persimmons — a cocktail is totally brilliant! Hope you enjoy your first thanksgiving in the midwest, creating new, football and cocktail filled traditions! x
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot says
Mmm… is it wrong to want one of these right now? In the AM? I’m salivating. The color of these cocktails is just so pretty. So, the next time you’re in NY, you can bring some in hip flask, ok? Then we can walk the streets like fools and giggle are heads off. xoxo
And PS- thank you for the link love my friend!
Natasha @ Salt and Lavender says
This looks SO GOOD. Pinned!
Kathryn says
I’m not convinced that I’ve ever done anything with a persimmon other than look at it in a slightly confused way but this drink sounds wonderful and the idea of a persimmon mimosa sounds inspired!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
We’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving up here but I love seeing everyone’s Thanksgiving recipes! This persimmon punch sounds so fun. Happy Thanksgiving, lady!
Tessa | Salted Plains says
This persimmon punch sounds crazy good, Sherrie. Just beautiful! I hope your first Thanksgiving in STL was a good one (sans all this rain our state has been having!!). xo!
Aysegul says
What a great menu.. Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.
This Persimmon punch sounds (and looks) delicious.
XOXO
Jennifer Farley says
Gorgeous photos, gorgeous recipe :)
Nickie says
Hi Sherrie! I made the chocolate ginger bark and it is wonderful! Great food gift, if any of it is leftover to actually make it in to a gift bag…also, on your persimmon punch post I noticed you mentioning “Chet” and knew right away that you were talking about Chet Baker…one of my husband’s and my all time favorite trumpet players who also has a GREAT voice. My husband has been doing a jazz show on our local radio station for 30 years now and I know that he would be thrilled that younger folks are appreciating this music genre as much as he and I do.
I hope that your time off brings you some peace and joy…Nickie
Sherrie says
Anytime ;) xo!!
Sherrie says
Oooh Maui, a girl can dream! And you’re welcome, all my love always, xo!!
Sherrie says
Hahaha, they’re so good! They’re great to just eat {like an apple}, but boozy ways like this one are fun too.
Sherrie says
Thanks Jennifer, xo!
Sherrie says
We should have some when I’m in KC :) !!!!!
Sherrie says
Oh yes, Chet. That man, he soothes my soul. All my love to you this holiday season Nickie!
Eden Passante says
Love permissions and this punch recipe looks amazing! I love the color that they make!