As August progresses, I’m doing my best to get my fill of all the summer fruit I can: particularly if I can add that fruit to a cocktail like this Fig Bourbon Sour. I’m not a fan of overly sweet drinks, so the tangy sharp lemon, offset by the sweet fresh fig is my idea of refreshing on a Friday afternoon after a long week.
I absolutely love figs. I have very fond memories of living in Tularosa, New Mexico and picking figs off the tree in our backyard, as well as doing the occasional urban foraging for figs in trees that were on abandoned properties in the area. While I enjoy cooking with figs, I also think they are spectacular served fresh or minimally altered, as in this case where they are slightly muddled with the bourbon.
I also accidently bought Wild Turkey Honey Bourbon back on the 4th of July for sauce for some crockpot ribs. I find that I really like it though, as the honey adds the hint of sweetness I don’t mind in my drink.
Fig Bourbon Sour
Serves 1
2 ounces honey bourbon (I used Wild Turkey’s Honey Bourbon – alternatively, you could use unflavored bourbon and add honey to taste)
3 ounces lemon juice
2 figs, split in half
Soda water
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the figs and honey bourbon until figs are thoroughly smashed. Add lemon juice, ice and shake vigorously. Strain, add more ice, and top with soda water.
