I love making new drinks at home, so I want to share one of my favorites. The Fig Gin Sour is an easy cocktail that mixes sweet figs with gin and fresh lemon for a balanced, smooth flavor.
It’s a great way to use figs when they’re in season—or just to shake things up from the usual lineup.
When I first tried this cocktail, I was surprised how the fig brought a gentle sweetness that didn’t overwhelm. This drink works for quiet evenings or when friends drop by.
The recipe’s simple, with a few easy steps anyone can follow (trust me—I’m no pro).
Fig Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- I use a standard cocktail shaker to mix everything together.
- A jigger helps me measure liquids so I don’t overdo it.
- My fine mesh strainer catches any pulp or seeds from the fig syrup or lemon juice.
- I pick a sturdy rocks glass for serving—it just feels right.
- A bar spoon comes in handy for stirring syrup into the shaker.
- Sometimes I grab a citrus juicer to squeeze those lemons dry.
- To make fig syrup, I need a small saucepan and a fine sieve or cheesecloth for straining.
- If I want to impress, I use a sharp paring knife for slicing figs as garnish. Not required, but it looks nice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fig syrup homemade or store-bought
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white optional, for a richer texture
- Ice
- For garnish: Fresh fig slice or lemon twist
Instructions
- Add gin, fig syrup, lemon juice, and egg white (if using) to a shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds without ice (“dry shake”) to build up foam from the egg white.
- Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker. Shake again until the outside feels very cold, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fig slice or lemon twist on the rim.
- I always double strain for that silky texture. The dry shake matters if you’re using egg white, so don’t skip it.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I taste the Fig Gin Sour, there’s a smooth mix of fruit and citrus. The fig syrup gives a gentle sweetness and a hint of earthiness that I really enjoy.
Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and adds a clean, sharp bite. The gin stands out with soft herbal notes, but it doesn’t overpower anything.
I find the egg white creates a light, creamy texture, making the drink feel silky—almost a little fancy, honestly.
Flavor notes:
- Sweetness from figs
- Tartness from lemon
- Herbal gin flavor
- Smooth, airy foam
I always notice the fig scent first, followed by a lingering citrus smell. On each sip, the balance between sweet and sour is clear right away.
The light, frothy top makes it pleasant for both summer and autumn. It’s easy to drink—never too heavy, never too sweet.
Substitute
When I don’t have fresh figs around, I’ll grab fig jam or fig preserves instead. Mixing a spoonful of jam with a splash of warm water makes a quick syrup that actually works pretty well in a cocktail.
If gin’s missing from my shelf, I’ll go with vodka for a milder vibe. Rum brings in more sweetness, and bourbon—well, that gives it a deeper, richer thing going on.
Not into egg whites? I’ve used aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), or just left it out entirely for a lighter drink. No one’s ever complained.
Sometimes, instead of simple syrup, I’ll use honey or agave. It gives the drink a different twist, which I kind of like.
For a non-alcoholic version, I just swap in tonic or sparkling water instead of the booze and keep the fig and citrus. It’s surprisingly refreshing.
If the citrus punch is too much, I cut back on the juice or swap in orange juice for a softer edge.
