Super Simple: Holiday Napkin Ring DIY + A Persimmon Smash Cocktail with Infused Bayleaf & Peppercorn Syrup
‘Tis the season to…wait. It’s December?!
I don’t know about you but this blur of a crazy weird year has me totally unprepared for the holidays. So I’m sticking to keeping things simple in more ways than one (especially since we’re temporarily relocated away from Los Angeles at the moment). BUT! That doesn’t mean we can’t get a little crafty and serve up a few cocktails at home. It’s the holiday season and we are going to figure out festive where we can.
So I’ve put together two very (Read: VERY) simple ideas to help inspire you and your holiday cheer.
First up, a very low key (yet stylish) napkin ring DIY concept that I would gladly change up for a number of occasions moving forward. Lush velvet ribbon paired with simple wooden rings and foraged greenery. It’s a win!
HOLIDAY NAPKIN RING DIY
SUPPLIES
Misc. Evergreen & Berry Clippings (go outside for some fresh air and forage!)
Scissors
Twine
Glue (fabric or hot glue)
HOW-TO
I don’t think this needs much explaining other than - play, have fun and experiment with a number of combinations! I wove velvet ribbon between stacks of wood rings and nestled in a combo of dried/wood flowers and branches for an effortless yet pulled together look.
Super easy, super stylish.
Next up! A delicate smash cocktail highlighting seasonal persimmons paired with a floral bay leaf and peppercorn infused simple syrup. This one pairs with a number of spirits, so play around and use what you’ve got. My only recommendation would be to keep the flavor profiles of your libation of choice on the more balanced side. AKA: Nothing too herbaceous so you don’t drown out those lovely little notes in the syrup.
No persimmons!? No Problem - swap out stone fruit (I think plum would be DIVINE) for something a little more fruit forward…which I think would be an excellent spin for your summer sips too.
Wishing you a stress free (AND SAFE!) celebrations at home this year - take care my friends and here’s to looking forward towards a new year filled with hugs and gatherings.
CHEERS!
PERSIMMON SMASH WITH BAY & PEPPERCORN SYRUP
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE SYRUP
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 bay leaves
3 TBS whole black peppercorns
FOR THE COCKTAIL
1/2 oz bay peppercorn syrup
1 oz spirt of your choice (gin, vodka, bourbon)
1 persimmon
Tonic water
Ice
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, bring sugar water to a boil and stir until all sugar dissolves. Lower to a simmer, add bay leaves and peppercorns. Allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes until fragrant. Strain out solids and store in a sterilized container for up to 3 weeks. Allow to cool before using.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz of your spirit, 1/2 persimmon roughly chopped. Shake well and strain over ice. Top with tonic or sparkling water and garnish with a bay leave and thin slice of persimmon. CHEERS!