I really love mixing classic cocktails with unexpected flavors, and honestly, the Fig and Bourbon Old Fashioned is probably up there among my favorites.
It’s got that smooth bourbon backbone but then this mellow, natural fig sweetness sneaks in. That combo turns a traditional drink into something that feels both modern and kind of cozy—plus, it’s not hard to whip up at home.
Fig syrup is where the magic happens. It’s what gives each sip that rich, almost jammy fruit flavor.
If you’re into cocktails that are simple but a little surprising, you might want to give this one a go.
I’ll walk you through how I make it, what gear you’ll want, and which ingredients I reach for, so you can mix one up whenever the mood strikes.
Fig And Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail brings together the sweet, lush flavor of figs and the deep, oaky notes of bourbon whiskey.
I like using a mix of classic and slightly creative ingredients to keep the drink smooth and balanced.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Old fashioned glass (or rocks glass)
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Peeler (for orange peel garnish)
- Large ice cubes or clear ice
A mixing glass and bar spoon really help keep the flavors crisp and cool.
Large ice cubes are a must—they melt slower, so the drink doesn’t get watery.
A strainer comes in handy for pouring, and a peeler is perfect for getting just the right strip of orange peel.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (I like Basil Hayden for its smoothness)
- 1/2 oz fig simple syrup or 1 bar spoon of fig preserves
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Fresh fig slice or dried fig (for garnish)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- 1 small pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Ice cubes or a large ice cube
Sometimes I’ll use fig preserves if I’m out of syrup—works just fine.
A fresh or dried fig on top makes it look (and taste) extra special.
Orange peel and bitters give you that classic Old Fashioned vibe, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon adds a gentle spice.
Instructions
- Add bourbon whiskey, fig simple syrup (or fig preserves), Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and ground cinnamon (if using) into a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir well for about 20-30 seconds, until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Place a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass over the ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
- Garnish with a fresh fig slice or dried fig, if available.
I always stir with a bar spoon—never shake it. Shaking makes it cloudy, which just feels wrong for an Old Fashioned.
Expressing the orange peel over the glass is a tiny step, but it really brightens the whole drink.
Notes
When I make fig simple syrup, I just simmer equal parts water and sugar with chopped figs (fresh or dried) until the flavor comes through, then strain it.
High-quality bourbon and clear ice make a big difference—everything tastes a bit cleaner.
If I’ve got basil or another fresh herb around, I’ll sometimes drop in a leaf for fun. It’s not traditional, but it’s tasty.
Fig preserves will give you a thicker, almost dessert-like drink. Syrup keeps it lighter and smoother.
Play around with the bitters and syrup amounts to find your favorite mix. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of lemon juice if I’m craving a little tartness—no rules, just what tastes good to you.
Fig and Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail
Equipment
- Large ice cubes
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey Basil Hayden recommended
- 1/2 oz fig simple syrup or 1 bar spoon fig preserves
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- fresh fig slice or dried fig, for garnish
- orange peel for garnish
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional
- ice cubes or large ice cube
Instructions
- Add bourbon whiskey, fig simple syrup (or fig preserves), Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and ground cinnamon (if using) into a mixing glass.
- Stir well for about 20–30 seconds, until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Place a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass over the ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
- Garnish with a fresh fig slice or dried fig, if available.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take my first sip, the bourbon’s warmth jumps out right away. It’s smooth and just a little sweet.
The fig brings in a gentle, earthy note. It’s not overpowering—just a hint of natural fruitiness.
The bitters keep things in check so it doesn’t go overboard on sweetness. I notice caramel, vanilla, and some dried fruit weaving in.
They all mingle nicely, and the bourbon still gets to shine.
The smell is inviting—there’s ripe fig, a little spice from the bitters, and that unmistakable bourbon aroma.
If I toss in an orange twist, I get a fresh citrus hit right at the finish.
It’s not too heavy or cloying. I like to take my time, sipping over ice and letting the flavors shift around a bit.
