The Culinary Works

Figs, glorious figs…

I spotted fresh figs at my farmers market recently and I definitely had some sort of fig cocktail on my mind when I bought them. I did some research and decided to make fig infused vodka.

Then a few weeks ago I was in lovely Palm Springs and had the pleasure of having a Figa cocktail at The Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel. I knew then what my inspiration was going to be for my vodka that was infusing at home. Earl Grey Tea, tangerine juice, honey and the fig vodka - so simple but the flavor is so complex - the tea and the vodka just seem to come together in all the right ways. Check out the Fig-tini as well - refreshing and crisp!

If you do not have time to infuse your own fig vodka - there is a brand, Kleiner Feigling, that can be found at your local spirit shops. You can also use 3 ounces of dried figs in place of fresh to do a infusion in the event that you can not find fresh figs.

Fig Infused Vodka

• 1 bottle good quality vodka (Tito's works nice)
• 1 pound fresh figs, rinsed, dried and sliced in half (or 3 oz dried)
• 1 vanilla bean split

Combine vodka, figs and vanilla bean in large clean glass jar. Seal and let infuse in cool dark place, shaking every couple of days for up to 2 weeks (the longer the more intense). 3-5 days works if using dried figs. Strain the vodka (I used cheesecloth) and discard the figs and vanilla bean. You now have a gorgeous batch of fig vodka!

Figa Cocktail

• 12 ounces fig vodka
• 6 ounces chilled brewed Earl Grey tea
• 9 ounces fresh tangerine juice
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey (or to taste)
• Ice
• fresh fig wedges (optional)

Combine vodka, tea, tangerine juice and honey in pitcher and stir. Pour over ice in high ball glasses, garnish with fresh figs and enjoy!

Fig-tini

• 2 1/2 ounces fig vodka
• 1/2 ounce cointreau
• 1/2 lime juiced
• splash cranberry juice
• fresh fig/lime for garnish

Strain into chilled martini glass, Garnish with fresh fig or lime.