Updated: July 26, 2025 • 7 min read

Fruity introduction 🍑

The Mirabelle de Lorraine AOP is that little golden treasure you'll find in the summertime at the markets. Its sweet and subtly tangy aroma pairs wonderfully with spirits and non-alcoholic beverages alike. Whether you're looking for a refined aperitif or a refreshing drink to accompany a dessert, these cocktail and mocktail recipes will help you (re)discover the mirabelle plum in all its facets. Ready to raise a glass?

1. Mirabelle AOP ratafia 🍷

Ratafia is a sweet liqueur made by macerating fruit in alcohol. For 1 liter of ratafia:

• 500 g of pitted fresh mirabelle plums
• 500 ml of 40% alcohol (grain or fruit brandy)
• 250 g of cane sugar
• 1 split vanilla pod
• 1 untreated lemon zest

Preparation: Place the mirabelle plums and vanilla in a jar, pour in the alcohol, and add the zest. Let it macerate for 1 month in a cool place, stirring gently every week. Strain, add the sugar, and let it sit for another 15 days. Enjoy your ratafia chilled as an aperitif, served in a small tulip glass.

2. Express homemade syrup 🍯

Mirabelle plum syrup is a multi-purpose ingredient for refreshing your drinks or sweetening your desserts:

• 300 g pitted mirabelle plums
• 200 g of sugar
• 200 ml of water
• A few mint leaves

Steps: Boil the water and sugar, add the mirabelle plums, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, add the chopped mint, cool, and bottle. Dilute 1 part syrup to 5 parts sparkling or still water. You can also use it as a cake glaze or in a gin cocktail.

3. Infused brandy 🌿

For a drier twist, infuse your mirabelles directly into the brandy:

• 400 g of mirabelles
• 1 liter of brandy (45%)
• Some juniper berries

Tip: Cut the fruit, place it in a demijohn with the juniper berries, and cover with brandy. Let it sit for 3 weeks in the shade, then strain and bottle. Serve as an iced digestif or as the base for a stronger cocktail.

4. Mirabelle Spritz ✨

The spritz, the star of aperitifs, is adorned with mirabelle plums for a sweet and sparkling result:

• 4 cl of ratafia (or mirabelle plum liqueur)
• 6 cl of chilled prosecco
• 2 cl of sparkling water
• 1 cl of mirabelle plum syrup
• Ice cubes, fruit slices

Directions: In a large glass, pour the ratafia, syrup, and prosecco, top up with sparkling water. Add a handful of ice cubes and a slice of mirabelle plum to the rim. This sweet and fizzy mix is perfect for your summer aperitif!

5. Alcohol-free mocktails 🍸

Looking for something refreshing without alcohol? Here are two simple recipes:

Mirabelle tonic

• 4 cl of mirabelle plum syrup
• 10 cl of tonic
• Ice cubes, rosemary sprig

Pour the syrup and tonic into a glass filled with ice cubes, stir gently and add a sprig of rosemary for flavor. 🎉

Virgin mirabelle mule

• 3 cl of mirabelle plum syrup
• 6 cl of ginger beer
• Juice of ½ lime
• Ice cubes, fresh mint

In a mug or glass, add the syrup, lemon juice, ginger beer, and ice cubes. Garnish with mint. It's fresh, spicy, and alcohol-free!

6. Pro tips 👩🎨

• Always use very ripe fruit, preferably PDO for optimal taste.
• To dilute: Test the strength of each drink before serving, sugar and alcohol content may vary.
• Think about suitable glasses: small tulip glasses for ratafia, flutes for spritz and mugs for mocktails.
• For a professional look, add a touch of edible flower (nasturtium, marigold) to the rim of the glass.
• Discover our storage tips to extend the life of your mirabelles after opening: storage guide .

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