Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

The Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned is a tasty twist on a classic cocktail. This drink mixes bourbon with fig and vanilla flavors for a sweet and smooth sip.

The Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned blends 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz fig syrup, 2 dashes vanilla bitters, and a splash of water.

Making this cocktail is easy. Just stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel and a dried fig for extra flair.

The Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned works well for fall and winter gatherings. Its warm flavors and rich aroma make it perfect for cozy nights by the fire. Guests will enjoy this unique take on a timeless drink.

Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
This twist on a classic cocktail combines the rich flavors of figs and vanilla with bourbon. The result is a smooth and slightly sweet drink perfect for sipping.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

For one cocktail, gather:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz fig syrup
  • 2 dashes vanilla bitters
  • 1 fresh fig sliced
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Large ice cube or regular ice

The fig syrup can be store-bought or homemade. To make it at home, simmer equal parts sugar and water with fresh figs until syrupy.

Instructions

  • Place a slice of fresh fig in the glass and muddle gently.
  • Add the bourbon, fig syrup, and vanilla bitters to the glass.
  • Fill the glass with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and mix.
  • Strain the mixture into a clean glass over a large ice cube.
  • Garnish with an orange peel and the remaining fig slice.

Serve and enjoy responsibly.

    Notes

    This drink works best with a high-quality bourbon. The sweetness of the fig and vanilla complements the whiskey’s oak and caramel notes.
    For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with strong brewed black tea and add a splash of lemon juice for balance.
    The fig syrup will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make a larger batch to have on hand for future cocktails.
    Experiment with different bitters to create new flavor combinations. Chocolate or walnut bitters can add interesting depth to the drink.

    Tasting Notes

    The Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned offers a unique twist on a classic cocktail. Its aroma blends sweet fig with warm vanilla notes. The first sip reveals a smooth, rich flavor profile.

    Figs bring a natural sweetness and subtle fruitiness to the drink. This pairs well with the oak and caramel flavors from the bourbon. Vanilla adds depth and a hint of creaminess.

    The cocktail has a balanced sweetness, not overpowering the bourbon’s strength. Bitters provide complexity and a slight spicy kick. The drink finishes with a lingering warmth from the alcohol.

    Texture-wise, the Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned is silky and full-bodied. Ice dilution softens the alcohol burn while keeping flavors bold. The drink evolves as it sits, with fig and vanilla becoming more pronounced.

    Key flavor notes:

    • Sweet fig
    • Warm vanilla
    • Oak and caramel (from bourbon)
    • Spice (from bitters)

    This cocktail suits those who enjoy sweet yet complex drinks. It works well as an after-dinner sipper or for special occasions.

    Must Have Ingredients

    Substitute

    Don’t have figs or vanilla bourbon on hand? No problem. You can still make a tasty Fig Vanilla Old Fashioned with a few swaps.

    For the figs, try using fig jam or preserves. About 1-2 teaspoons per drink will add that sweet fruity flavor.

    Plain bourbon works fine in place of vanilla bourbon. Just add a dash of vanilla extract or use a vanilla-flavored simple syrup.

    No bourbon at all? Rye whiskey or dark rum can step in. They’ll change the flavor profile a bit, but still make a nice drink.

    For the bitters, orange bitters are a good stand-in if you don’t have fig bitters. Angostura bitters work too.

    The orange peel garnish is flexible. Lemon peel or a brandied cherry can add a nice finishing touch instead.

    Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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