Fig Old-Fashioned Cocktail

If you are lucky enough to have figs, you will want to try this delicious fig old-fashioned cocktail! You can use fresh or dried figs to make a sweet, fruity simple syrup and combine it with your favorite whiskey to make a perfect drink.

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Fig Old-Fashioned recipe

Fig season is one of my favorite seasons. There is nothing like a fresh, succulent fig!

I used to have access to a fig tree for unlimited fresh figs when they were in season, but the owner moved away, much to my fig-loving chagrin!

These days, I have to rely on spotting them at the grocery store, and even then they can be expensive and spoil quickly.

I try to make them last as long as possible: One of my favorite ways is to make fig simple syrup so that I can drizzle it on ice cream or mix it into a cocktail.

This fig old-fashioned cocktail is a delicious and easy drink. Bourbon perfectly highlights the bright flavor of figs. You’re going to love it!

More old-fashioned recipes: Apple Old-Fashioned • Chocolate Old-Fashioned • S’mores Old-Fashioned • Pumpkin Spice Old-Fashioned • Maple Syrup Old-Fashioned

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll love this recipe for a few great reasons:

• This cocktail is a delicious way to enjoy the bounty of fig season.
• It’s easy to make with real figs, a quick simple syrup and your favorite whiskey.
• Bourbon lovers will adore this twist on the classic whiskey cocktail this time of year.

What is an old-fashioned?

The classic old-fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and timeless appeal. It is typically made with whiskey, often bourbon, although other variations can feature rye whiskey, aged rum, or even mezcal.

Old-fashioned cocktails are spirit-forward, meaning they are heavy on the alcohol. They don’t have any mixers like sour mix or soda, which allows your chosen whiskey to shine through.

When crafting old-fashioned, small but mighty flavor elements are added to complement the whiskey. Typically an old-fashioned includes:

• a sugar cube or sugary simple syrup
• a piece of bitter orange zest
• a sweet cocktail cherry
• the aromatic magic of bitters

This fig version offers a sweet twist, which you can add with fresh or dried figs. To start, we’ll make a fig syrup that you’ll mix into the drink.

Tools & glassware

It’s traditional to serve and old-fashioned cocktail in old-fashioned glasses, also called rocks glasses.

These are short, glass tumblers. When you raise a short glass to your mouth, your nose is closer to the liquid, allowing you to breathe in the drink’s fragrance, enhancing each sip.

You might also want to create large clear ice cubes for each drink.

favorite rocks glasses

striped old-fashioned glasses

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hobnail rocks glasses

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minimalist rocks glasses

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Also, to make the fig simple syrup, you’ll need a few more things:

• cutting board and a sharp knife for cutting the figs
• saucepan and wooden spoon or spatula for making the syrup
• fine-mesh strainer for refining the syrup
• a clean mason jar or bottle for storing the finished syrup in the fridge.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s what to grab at the grocery store:

• dried or fresh figs, for the syrup and the garnish
• white sugar, for the syrup
• water, for the syrup
• bourbon whiskey
• orange bitters
• ice cube

Best whiskey for old-fashioneds

Old-fashioneds can be made with any whiskey, but bourbon is the classic. This recipe will also work with rye, Irish, whiskey, scotch and even other spirits like mezcal or rum.

My go-to bourbon is Old Forester, but you can use just about any brand. If you have a favorite, start with that. If you don’t, I also suggest Four Roses, Bulleit, Tin Cup or Woodford Reserve.

Variations and substitutions

Try a simple twist on this recipe: 

Smoked fig old-fashioned: A smoked old-fashioned is a luxurious treat. With figs, it would be even better. Head to my smoked old-fashioned tutorial for all my best tips and tricks.

Non-alcoholic: Use a zero-proof spirit whiskey such as Ritual whiskey alternative.

Play with flavor: Experiment with other flavors and ingredients like lemon zest and vanilla bitters in the cocktail, or use brown sugar in the syrup.

No fig syrup? You can muddle fresh figs and use the juices in your cocktail. You could also use a splash of fig balsamic vinegar. 

How to make Fig Syrup

You’ll want to whip up some fig simple syrup to make this old-fashioned cocktail. Here’s how to make my fig syrup recipe:

First, wash your ripe figs, cut off the stems and slice them up into quarters or slices. If using dry figs, simply chop them into smaller pieces.

Place figs and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 20 minutes. The liquid will reduce and become a flavorful syrup, and the figs will become soft.

Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and strain the fig mixture to yield a smooth, refined liquid. Strain again if any fig seeds come through. Discard the stewed figs or enjoy them with ice cream or oatmeal.

Measure the hot liquid and add an equal amount of sugar. (Alternatively, measure 1 cup of liquid and 1 cup of syrup.) Stir until dissolved.

Let the syrup cool completely, then funnel into a mason jar or bottle. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one month. If it ever looks like a cloudy syrup, it’s time to toss it.

How to make a Fig Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned is such a simple recipe to make. Let’s get started!

Grab a mixing glass and a bar spoon, or make this fig old-fashioned right in your rocks glass.

Add your fig simple syrup and bourbon. Stir together.

Then lower in a large ice cube or ice ball. (Or, if using a mixing glass, pour it over the ice in a rocks glass.)

Add a few dashes of orange bitters and garnish it with a sliced fresh fig. You can also add a piece of orange peel if you like.

Got extra fig syrup? Use it instead of plain syrup to make your favorite cocktail recipes, like a fig sparkler.

Tips & tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making this recipe:

• Eat figs within three days of picking them. Making them into fig syrup helps to preserve the flavor a little longer.
• Use white sugar to ensure a rich purple color, though the color will depend on the figs used.
• For a thicker, sticky syrup, use a 1:2 or 1:1.5 ratio of water to sugar.
• Add a small amount of sweetener to start — you can always add a little more.

What to serve with a Fig Old-Fashioned

A fig old-fashioned is delicious before or after dinner.

For appetizers, serve this drink with fig crostini (with extra fig syrup drizzled on top) or a cheese board decked out with your favorite cheeses plus fresh figs, dried figs or even some fig preserves.

For dessert, enjoy these Italian fig cookies (called Cuccidati) or simply nosh on some roasted fresh figs with ice cream.

FAQ

More fig recipes

• Fig Thumbprint Cookies
• Onion & Fig Muffins
• Homemade Fig Jam