Fig + Fennel Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine and infuse

Pour 1 cup bourbon into a clean, sealable jar. Add 6 halved dried mission figs and 2 tablespoons lightly crushed fennel seeds. Seal the jar and shake gently to combine.

Rest and agitate

Let the jar sit at room temperature for 24 hours, shaking once or twice during that period to encourage flavor transfer. For a faster, more pronounced infusion, gently warm the sealed jar in a water bath at 40–50°C (104–122°F) for 1 hour, then cool to room temperature.

Taste and strain

After 24 hours (or after the warmed infusion), taste the bourbon. When the fig and fennel flavors are balanced and noticeable but not overpowering (usually 12–48 hours depending on desired intensity), strain the bourbon through a fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container. Press gently on solids to extract liquor but avoid forcing pulp through the filter. Discard solids. The yield will be roughly 3/4 to 1 cup of infused bourbon depending on loss to solids.

Store

Transfer the strained infusion to a bottle, cap tightly, and store in a cool, dark place. Use within 1–2 months for best flavor.

Chill: Place a rocks glass in the freezer or add a large ice cube to the glass to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Add ingredients to mixing glass: In a mixing glass or shaker (without ice), add 2 oz of the house-infused fig + fennel bourbon, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using).

Stir: Fill the mixing glass with large ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 revolutions) until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted. This integrates the syrup and bitters while tempering the strength.

Prepare glass: Remove the chilled rocks glass from the freezer (or discard its chilling ice). Place a single large ice cube into the glass.

Strain: Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared rocks glass over the large cube.

Garnish and finish: Express the oils of an orange peel over the cocktail by holding the peel skin-side down over the drink and giving it a sharp fold or twist; rub the peel around the rim and drop it in. Add 1 Luxardo cherry on a pick and place it gently on the ice or drop it into the glass.

Serve: Present immediately. The Old Fashioned should be balanced — fig sweetness and fennel aroma complementing the bourbon, with bitters and citrus brightness.