Fig Old Fashioned Recipe

This Fig Old Fashioned is my ultimate cocktail crush because it perfectly balances the warm, rich notes of bourbon with the subtle sweetness of fig syrup. Plus, the aromatic bitters and citrusy orange peel make each sip an irresistible sensory experience that transports me to a cozy, autumn evening.

Creating cocktails that artfully combine timeless elegance with contemporary panache is a labor of love for me. Take my Fig Old Fashioned, for instance.

It features 2 oz. of bourbon or rye whiskey.

1/2 oz. of fig simple syrup sweetens it nicely.

2 dashes Angostura bitters and a dash of orange bitters enrich its depth. I garnish it with a twist of orange peel and, optionally, a dried fig.

Ingredients

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey:
Offers a deep, complex flavor.

Distant—must be present but does not need to be prominent.

Fig Simple Syrup:
Contributes sweetness; hints of fruit and caramel.

Angostura Bitters:
Presents aromatic spice; equilibrates sweetness.

Orange Bitters:
Boosts citrus scent; infuses it with zesty layers.

Orange Peel:
Decorate with aromatic herbs; flavor with essential oils.

Dried Fig:
The garnish can be optional but provides a chewy texture and a touch of elegance.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz fig simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Dried fig, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by putting multiple ice cubes in a mixing glass to guarantee that the drink will be well-chilled.

2. Pour 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice in the mixing glass.

3. Include 1/2 ounce of fig simple syrup in the mixture to add sweetness and a unique flavor.

4. Include 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to complement the whiskey with spicy, aromatic notes.

5. Add 1 dash of orange bitters to the drink to enhance its citrusy aroma.

6. Mix the mixture with a light hand but mix it well for about half a minute to get it to a chill state and to achieve a slight dilution.

7. Pour the strained mixture into a lowball or Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

8. Squeeze the oils from the orange peel into the glass by twisting it over the drink. Then, rub the peel along the edge.

9. Put the orange peel in the glass to aroma the drink with its citrusy scent.

10. If you want to, you can top it off with a dried fig for a bit more sweetness and flair. But the way it is in this recipe is plenty enjoyable. This is a drink you savor. Fig Old Fashioned. Ingredients: 2 oz. bourbon or rye; 1/2 oz. fig syrup (or other sweetener of choice); 2 dashes Angostura bitters; optional garnish: 1 dried fig.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing glass
2. Jigger or measuring tool
3. Bar spoon
4. Strainer
5. Lowball or Old Fashioned glass
6. Knife or peeler (for orange peel)
7. Ice cube tray or ice cube mold

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular simple syrup instead of fig simple syrup?A: Although one can use plain simple syrup, syrup made from figs is a much better option for complementing the flavor profiles of both the brown sugar and the whiskey.
• Q: What type of whiskey is best for this cocktail?A: Either bourbon or rye whiskey works well, but I prefer rye, which has a profile that offers better spice and thus pairs excellently with figs.
• Q: How do I make fig simple syrup?A: Take equal portions of sugar and water. Add chopped dried figs to this sugar-water mixture, and let it simmer gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Afterward, strain the mixture.
• Q: Can I use fresh figs instead of dried for garnish?A: Indeed, fresh figs can be incorporated, but their use will effect a subtle change in the cocktail’s look and mouthfeel.
• Q: Is there an alternative to Angostura bitters?A: You can use Peychaud’s bitters or other aromatic bitters, though their flavor will differ slightly.
• Q: How should I store leftover fig simple syrup?A: For maximum freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within a week.
• Q: Can I skip the orange peel garnish?A: You may omit it, but the bright citrus aroma that the orange peel provides enhances the whole experience.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute fig simple syrup with something like maple syrup or honey, and you have a different and delicious sweetness. Ingredients: 2 ounces rum 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice 1 ounce fig simple syrup 2 ounces soda water
If you can’t find Angostura bitters, use another aromatic bitters variety.
Replace orange bitters with a splash of fresh orange juice for a citrusy nuance.
Substitute lemon peel for orange peel in a cocktail garnish, and you will taste a different kind of zestiness.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Glass Before you start mixing, place your Old Fashioned glass in the freezer to chill. This keeps the drink colder for longer once served.

2. Make Your Own Fig Syrup For an enhanced fig flavor, consider making your own fig simple syrup by boiling figs with equal parts sugar and water, then straining it. This adds a fresher, richer fig taste.

3. Use Large Ice Cubes Instead of regular ice cubes, use a large ice cube or a sphere in your serving glass to minimize dilution and keep the drink cool longer.

4. Express the Orange Peel Properly To get the most aromatic oils from the orange peel, twist it over the drink while holding it between your fingers, with the colored side facing down towards the drink.

5. Experiment with Whiskeys Try different types of bourbons or ryes to see which pairs best with the fig syrup. Each whiskey will bring its own character, affecting the overall profile of the cocktail.