Black Fig Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine and simmer

Place chopped figs, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to low and simmer very gently for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until figs are soft and the liquid has reduced slightly and thickened to a syrupy consistency.

Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract (if using). Let cool for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a jar, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids (or save for spooning over yogurt). Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Syrup will keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Chill: If desired, chill an Old Fashioned glass briefly or fill it with ice to cool while you prepare the cocktail, then discard cooling ice.

Build: In a mixing glass, add 0.5 oz black fig syrup, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, 1 dash orange bitters, and 0.25 oz water. Stir briefly to combine.

Add 2 oz bourbon to the mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with large ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (about 10–15% dilution).

Strain the cocktail into the chilled Old Fashioned glass over one large ice cube.

Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it with the outside (zest) facing down, giving it a sharp twist to release oils, then wipe the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Serve: Present immediately for slow sipping. Optionally garnish with a thin slice of rehydrated fig on the rim for an extra dark-fruit note.