Stir up a fig old fashioned for an elevated twist on a classic cocktail. Bourbon, fig simple syrup, and orange bitters come together to make a smooth, slightly sweet sipper with deep jammy notes. Serve it at your next dinner party, on date night, or any occasion that calls for something extra special.
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When I want a simple but sophisticated cocktail, I reach for an old fashioned. It takes no fancy technique and makes a great canvas for flavored syrups like this one.
Fig simple syrup replaces plain sugar and adds a fruity depth that makes this old fashioned stand out. Fresh or dried figs both work, and I break down the difference in my recipe testing notes below. Make the syrup ahead, and each drink takes just a minute to mix.
Ingredient Notes
Bourbon: I always recommend a mid-range bourbon for old fashioneds. You want to save expensive bourbon for sipping on its own, and cheap bourbon ruins a drink. Four Roses, Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, and the like are perfect.
Fig simple syrup: We use my homemade fig simple syrup, which can be made from fresh or dried figs.
Bitters: Orange bitters are my go-to for old fashioneds. The orange complements the sweet bourbon and adds a touch of brightness.
For the full ingredient proportions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make a Fig Old Fashioned
Step 1: We first add bourbon, fig simple syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass.
Step 2: Now we add a large ice cube and stir until chilled and the ice starts to dilute the drink. I find this takes about 20 seconds.
Step 3: For our final optional step, we add a slice of fig as a pretty garnish. Although not pictured, a Luxardo cherry is always a favorite as well.
Amanda's Recipe Testing Notes
When testing this recipe, I compared two versions of the fig simple syrup: one made with fresh figs and the other with dried. Both made a great drink, but each brought out different flavors.
Fresh figs gave the drink a delicate honeysuckle-like sweetness that played off the bourbon as a complementing contrast. Dried figs, however, delivered a richer, more robust flavor with toffee, brown sugar, and caramel notes that match bourbon's vanilla, butterscotch, and oak.
I love fresh figs, so I expected that syrup to make my favorite version of this drink. Surprisingly, the dried fig syrup won me over because its almost port-like depth paired so well with the bourbon. Matt and a friend also joined in the taste testing and picked the fresh fig syrup.
You really can't go wrong either way. To enjoy the best of both worlds, I suggest making the fresh fig syrup when figs are in season and the dried version the rest of the year.
Variations
Swap the liquor: For my friends who don't like bourbon, I always swap dark rum. Both have a caramel-like profile, but the dark rum delivers some tropical fruit and a touch of clove. Dark rum also has less bite, which isn't for everyone.
Add smoke: All you need is a kitchen torch and a cocktail smoker topper to give the drink a campfire finish. Perfect for the fall and winter months.
Try spiced bitters: Replace the orange bitters with a spiced variety for extra warmth. Ginger bitters, for instance, would be lovely.
Old Fashioned Mixing Tips
Use one large ice cube: One large cube melts slower, so you get less dilution than with standard ice. It also makes for a more impressive presentation.
Mix in a single glass: I usually build old fashioneds right in the serving glass, which saves on dishes. If you're making a larger batch, stir in a cocktail mixing glass and then pour over ice.
Stir the drink: An old fashioned is always stirred. Save your cocktail shaker for a sour, like this bourbon cranberry sour.
Perfect Pairing
No fig cocktail is complete without my fig baked Brie. This is an especially great option if you opted for the dried fig syrup. Brie works nicely with those caramel and toffee undertones.
If you made this drink with the fresh fig syrup, try my prosciutto-peach pizza. The fresh fig syrup's honeysuckle sweetness complements the peach, while the salty prosciutto keeps the combination from being cloying.
Cheers!
Sip on More Old Fashioned Cocktails
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📖 Recipe
Fig Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Cheesecloth
- Large ice cube mold optional
Ingredients
Fig Simple Syrup
- 2 cups fresh figs, stemmed and halved (see notes if using dried figs)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
Fig Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce fig simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- Fresh fig slice, for garnish, optional
Instructions
Fig Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, add the figs, white sugar, and water. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. As soon as it reaches a boil, turn off the heat.
- Allow the syrup to steep for at least 15 minutes. Do not mash the figs.
- Fold the cheesecloth into three layers and place in the fine-mesh sieve. Over a large measuring cup, strain the fig syrup and discard the solids. Allow the syrup to fully cool and store in a sterile, airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four weeks.
Fig Old Fashioned
- Add the bourbon, fig simple syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass.
- Place a large ice cube in the glass. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture to chill and slightly melt the ice, about 20 seconds.
- If desired, garnish with a sliced fig. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using dried figs, you only need 1 cup since they're more concentrated in flavor. No need to halve them.
- I like to use black mission figs, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
- You can store leftover fig simple syrup in a sterile, airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four weeks.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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