Name: Maple Fig Vodka Cocktail (Fresh Figs or Jam!)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 ripe fresh figs (halved (see notes to swap for fig jam)); 1/2 ounce lemon juice; 1/2 -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 )

This elegant Maple Fig Cocktail combines the earthy sweetness of figs with pure maple syrup, vodka, and fresh lemon juice for a simple yet sophisticated sip that's ready in just 5 minutes. Use fresh figs when they're in season, or fig jam any time of year - both are delicious!

Close up shot of a pretty pink fig cocktail using fresh figs and thyme, surrounded by a gourd, and a green plant.

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Fresh fig season is so fleeting, and whenever it arrives, we try to make the most of it! (Que this balsamic fig chicken skillet!) The good news is, whether you have fresh figs or not, this delicious cocktail can be made year-round! 🤩

Late summer through fall, use gorgeous ripe ones for the prettiest pink color and fresh-from-the-tree flavor. The rest of the year? Fig jam works beautifully, and means you can whip this up whenever the craving strikes (hello, holiday entertaining! 🥂).

This drink will give you the warm fuzzies! The warm maple notes complement the drink so well and make it especially lovely for fall gatherings like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Want more cozy fall cocktail ideas? Try this elegant spiced pear martini, this Nordic-style mulled wine, or this hot apple buttered rum for the perfect fall gathering!

🍸Ingredients

There are just a few ingredients needed for this fig martini, and you probably have most of them on hand. Well, except maybe fresh figs, but that's what the jam option is for! 😉

Ingredient Spotlight - Figs!

You have options here - and both are delicious!

Figs (Fresh or Jam!)
- Fresh figs: Look for ripe figs that yield gently to pressure when you squeeze them. They should feel soft but not mushy. Ripe figs are sweeter and muddle more easily. Black Mission figs and Brown Turkey figs both work wonderfully.
- Fig jam: Use about 1 tablespoon of your favorite fig jam when fresh figs aren't available (or you just don't feel like muddling!). Just add it directly to the shaker. Since jam has added sugar, scale back on the maple syrup, or your drink may be a tad too sweet!

✨Heads up: The secret to that stunning pink color? You guessed it - fresh figs! Keep in mind that the drink comes out a little more tea-colored if using jam. Either way, the drink is delightful, but we wanted to mention this in case the color is important to you!

How to Make a Maple Fig Cocktail

This cocktail comes together quickly and easily. The key is muddling those figs well if you're using fresh, and shaking the shaker well either way!

🧊Pro tip! Pop your martini or coupe glass in the freezer to chill, or place ice in the glasses while you prep your drinks. A cold glass keeps your cocktail colder longer!

Hand muddling figs in a cocktail shaker, surrounded by fresh figs, a green plant, a pumpkin, and a pink vase with cattails in it.

Step 1

Cut ripe fresh figs in half and add them to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon), muddle well until the figs are broken down and you have a gorgeous pulpy mixture that looks jammy and smells fragrant.

🫙 Using fig jam instead? Skip the muddling! Just add 1 tablespoon of fig jam directly to your shaker and move on to the next step. So easy!

Hand squeezing fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker, surrounded by fresh figs, a green plant, a pumpkin, and a pink vase with cattails in it.

Step 2

Add fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Fresh is the keyword here! The bright acidity balances the sweetness from the figs and maple, keeping the cocktail from feeling heavy.

🍋 No lemon? Lime juice works in a pinch - just use a little less since lime is more tart. You could also try a splash of fresh orange juice for a slightly sweeter, more rounded citrus note.

Hand pouring maple syrup into a cocktail shaker, surrounded by fresh figs, a green plant, a pumpkin, and a pink vase with cattails in it.

Step 3

Add maple syrup to the shaker, slowly and to taste! Start with less than you think you need; you can always add more, but you can't take it away.

🍁Maple sweetness level note: Start with just a bit of maple syrup (1 teaspoon) and adjust after tasting! The sweetness level depends on how ripe your figs are (or how sweet your jam is) and your personal preference. If you're using fig jam, start with just ¼ ounce of maple syrup since jam already has added sugar.

Hand pouring vodka into a cocktail shaker, surrounded by fresh figs, a green plant, a pumpkin, and a pink vase with cattails in it.

Step 4

Add vodka to the shaker, then fill with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled - about 30 seconds. You'll feel the shaker get nice and frosty!

Swapping spirits: Vodka keeps this cocktail cleaner tasting, and lets the fig and maple flavors shine, but you can absolutely use whatever you want! Bourbon adds even more warmth and pairs beautifully with the maple. Gin brings lovely botanical notes. Dark rum adds caramel undertones. They'd all be delicious here, or explore all of our cocktail recipes!

Hand pouring a pink liquid through a strainer into a coupe glass, surrounded by fresh figs, a green plant, a pumpkin, and a pink vase with cattails in it.

Step 5

Double strain into your chilled glass (optional!) To do this, pour from the shaker through your regular cocktail strainer, while holding a fine-mesh strainer (like a small tea strainer) over your glass. This catches any fig pulp or seeds and gives you a silky-smooth cocktail.

Totally optional though! If you don't mind a bit of rustic texture and some seeds, skip the double strain. It'll still taste amazing. (And if you used fig jam, there's less pulp to worry about anyway!)

Garnish with a fresh fig half and a sprig of thyme if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy immediately! 🥂

Zoomed out shot of a pretty pink fig cocktail using fresh figs and thyme, surrounded by a gourd, and a green plant.

✨ Want bubbles? Top your cocktail with a splash of prosecco or sparkling wine for an extra celebratory vibe! For bubbles without more alcohol, use club soda, ginger ale, or even ginger beer instead.

🌿 Herbed. Try muddling a few fresh thyme leaves, sage leaves, or a small sprig of rosemary along with the figs in Step 2. It adds a lovely herbaceous layer!

Serving This Fig Vodka Cocktail

This maple fig cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after making - the fresh fig flavor is most vibrant when served right away.

Making this for a party? You can muddle the figs (or measure out the jam) with the lemon juice and maple syrup ahead of time (a few hours before), then refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, add vodka and ice, shake, and strain. Easy entertaining!

Pair it with: This cocktail is gorgeous alongside a cheese board with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, or our fall charcuterie board.

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📖 Recipe

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!