This week has flown by, but I have accomplished so much it feels like about ten days should have passed.  I have been working sun up to sun down and have calluses on my hands to prove it.  Like man calluses...ew.  Anyway, I could not be more thrilled that the weekend is around the corner and once again I am celebrating early with my thirsty Thursday tradition that was supposed to only be during the summer months, but then I realized that was a terrible idea.  Why would I stop making cocktails?  So I'm not going to.  My persimmon spice punch is a drink with a kick that will take the edge right off and send you sailing into Friday.

Have you ever had a persimmon?  I sure hadn't until I moved to Louisiana and our old neighbors had a tree in their yard and used to bring me bags full.  And honestly it wasn't love at first bite.  It was mushy, and I don't do mushy.  It wasn't until last year that I tried a persimmon that was perfectly ripe and still firm that I fell in love.  They are kind of a gorgeous fruit too.

There is a tree in my neighborhood that hangs on one side of the street where I walk the dogs and it has been begging to be picked.  All that beautiful fruit hanging there and probably going to go to waste unless someone, like me picked it.  So I did..shhh, don't tell anyone.

I just think if you have a fruit tree and don't eat the fruit that should be illegal.  I would like to have about fifty different fruit trees in my yard, that would be amazing!

Anyway, so I picked several ripe persimmons and was debating about what to make with them when I decided duh, let's make a cocktail.  I used Bayou Spiced Rum, added some pureed persimmon, fresh orange juice, and topped that baby with some champagne and whoa, it is a punch with a punch if you know what I'm saying.

It's the perfect fall cocktail, and I think it's safe to say that I'll be cocktailing my way right through the year.  I can't help myself that it just might be my favorite time of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe Persimmon, peeled and chopped
• Juice from 1 Orange
• 4 Oz. Bayou Spiced Rum
• 1 Tbsp. Honey
• 1/2 Bottle of Champagne
• Extra orange and persimmon slices for garnish

Directions:

• Smash your persimmon with the rum, honey, and orange juice until combined in a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
• Strain the mixture into a pitcher and add extra slices of persimmon and orange.
• Pour your champagne over top and stir to combine.
• Fill glasses with ice and pour over top.

Have a party, or don't because you might not want to share.  But I guarantee if you have never been a persimmon fan before, this drink will convert you into a persimmon loving fanatic. Even if it's only when alcohol is involved...

Cheers to you and weeks where hard work pays off!