This elegant Fig Cocktail combines fresh ripe figs (or fig jam) with vodka, maple syrup, and lemon juice for a simple yet sophisticated and delicious sip. It's ready in minutes and the perfect way to enjoy the luscious flavor of figs!
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This beautiful cocktail is fun to look at and easy to make, and drink! While it looks fancy, it can be whipped up in just minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Looking for more warm-flavored drinks to try? You'll love this pumpkin pie martini, this warm mulled gin, this poison caramel apple cocktail, or this bourbon apple cider cocktail.
For more fig recipes, you may also enjoy this balsamic fig chicken!
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❤️Why We Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients. With just 4 ingredients you likely have on hand (except potentially the figs!), this cocktail is very simple to make while
- A celebration of figs. This cocktail is an easy and elegant way to use fresh figs when they're abundant in late summer and fall. Plus, the fig jam option means you can enjoy it anytime if fresh figs aren't available!
- Naturally sweetened. Instead of using simple syrup, this recipe uses pure maple syrup and the natural sweetness of figs, adding depth and complexity of flavor, all while being naturally sweetened!
- Adaptable for different seasons. Whether you're using fresh figs or fig jam, this versatile recipe can be adjusted so you can enjoy it year-round.
🍋Ingredients
Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.
- Figs. Fresh, ripe figs or your favorite fig jam will work just fine!
- Maple syrup. If you're using fig jam or spread instead of fresh figs, you won't need as much, since the jam will have added sweetness.
- Lemon juice. Has to be fresh!
Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.
✨Substitutions & Variations
Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.
- No fresh figs? Use 1 tablespoon of your favorite fig jam instead of fresh figs. You may need to scale back on the maple syrup since the jam is already sweetened. Adjust to your taste!
- Swap the spirit. You can try bourbon for warmth, gin for botanical notes, or dark rum for caramel undertones in this drink. They would all taste great.
- Maple syrup alternatives. Honey or agave nectar work well, though each will bring its own unique flavor profile. Simple syrup can also be used.
- No lemon? Try lime juice for a different citrus note, though you might need slightly less as lime is more tart. You can also try freshly squeezed orange juice for added flavor, though it is a little sweeter.
- Less sugar. Use our sugar free fig spread in this drink to sweeten the drink if you're watching your carb or sugar intake.
- Make it bubbly. Top with prosecco or any sparkling wine for extra bubbles. For more bubbles without extra alcohol, use club soda instead.
- Herbal. Try muddling thyme, sage, or rosemary along with the figs for some fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Add bitters. For even more complex flavor, you can add a dash of your favorite bitters to the mixture.
- Vanilla flavored. Add about ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for even more depth of flavor.
- Spiced. Add a touch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for extra warm, spiced flavor.
- Gingery. Try adding some ginger ale or ginger beer for a little fizz, sweetness, and flavor!
- Mocktail. Simply omit the vodka entirely, and add a bit of water if you'd like to dilute the drink a little more.
This recipe hasn't been tested with any other substitutions or variations, so we can't guarantee any results. If you make a change, let us know how it goes in the comments below!
🔪Prep Work
- Cut fresh figs (if using) in half or measure out the fig jam.
- Squeeze lemon juice and remove any pulp or seeds.
- Measure out the maple syrup and the vodka.
- Place your martini or coupe glasses in the freezer to chill, or fill them with ice.
📋Instructions
Add halved figs to a cocktail shaker, and muddle well. (Image 1)
Next, add fresh lemon juice, (Image 2) maple syrup (Image 3), and vodka (Image 4) to the shaker.
Add ice to the shaker, and then shake until chilled - about 30 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. (Image 5)
Now, just garnish with a fresh fig (optional) and thyme springs if desired, and enjoy!
✨Top Tips
- Choose the right figs. Look for ripe, soft figs that yield gently to pressure - they'll be sweeter and muddle more easily. Avoid overly mushy or hard figs.
- Strain well. Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any fig pulp or seeds for a silky-smooth cocktail. This is optional, however, and not totally necessary.
- Balance is key. Start with less maple syrup and adjust to taste - you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- Glass temperature matters. Chill your glass beforehand to ensure your drink stays cold.
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💭Frequently Asked Questions
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after making. While you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours, the fresh fig flavor is most vibrant when served right away.
If serving for a party, you can muddle the figs and mix them with lemon and maple syrup ahead of time. Add vodka and ice just before serving.
More Cocktail Recipes To Consider
Disclosure: This post was originally published on September 21, 2021, but has been republished with a fresh new recipe, improved photos, and better instructions as of November 21st, 2024. We hope you enjoy the new look!
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📖 Recipe
Fig Cocktail
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 3 ripe fresh figs halved (see notes to swap for fig jam)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ -1 ounce maple syrup to taste (see notes if using fig jam)
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- Ice to fill cocktail shaker
- Fresh figs & thyme for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add fresh figs to a cocktail shaker and muddle well. If using fig jam, simply add to the cocktail shaker, and don't worry about muddling.3 ripe fresh figs
- Add lemon juice, maple syrup, and vodka, followed by ice. Shake well to chill (about 30 seconds) then double strain into a chilled glass.½ ounce lemon juice, ½ -1 ounce maple syrup, 1.5 ounces vodka, Ice to fill cocktail shaker
- Garnish with fresh figs and thyme if desired. Enjoy!Fresh figs & thyme for garnish
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Notes
- If you'd like to use fig jam, use 1 tablespoon of fig jam, and scale back on the amount of maple syrup, because fig jam has added sugar already.
- Choose the right figs. Look for ripe, soft figs that yield gently to pressure - they'll be sweeter and muddle more easily. Avoid overly mushy or hard figs.
- Glass temperature matters. Chill your glass beforehand to ensure your drink stays cold.
- Balance is key. Start with less maple syrup and adjust to taste - you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- Strain well. Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any fig pulp or seeds for a silky-smooth cocktail. This is optional, however, and not totally necessary.
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