I’ve come to an understanding with myself. You know the first step to overcoming a problem is to accept you have one. Well, I have a problem.
I…. am a cocktail snob.
That’s right. I’ve said it. It’s out there in the open for the whole wide world to know.
I literally CAN NOT EVEN with poorly made cocktails made with pre-made mixers and artificial flavors. This problem, of cocktail snob status, is due mostly to the fact that I’m the daughter of two people who also appreciate well-crafted drinks made with quality ingredients. So, let’s just blame my parents.
Either way, being a cocktail snob means you almost never enjoy the cocktails served to you in restaurants, and are instead constantly crafting your own at home. It had been a hot second since I had whipped up a new cocktail and a pack of Black Mission figs in my refrigerator were just calling to me, “Kallie! We want to be in a delicious fall cocktail.” When figs talk, you listen. Thus the Fig & Cardamom gin and tonic was born and it’s a beautiful drink with fall flavors, but still nice and light for these last days of summer.
Ingredients: Black Mission figs, sugar, gin, cardamom (ground), tonic
1. Create a fig simple syrup: Quarter about 10 figs and place into a bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Mash it up real good (with a fork, potato masher, etc.) and strain to remove any seeds and peels (you should get about 1/3 of juice. In a separate bowl combine 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar. Microwave to dissolve the sugar into the water. Combine with the fig juice. Viola, fig simple syrup.
2. Combine: 1-1/2 ounces of fig simple syrup, 3 ounces gin and 1 dash of ground cardamom over ice and shake well.
3. Pour: Pour the mixture into a glass over ice and top with tonic water. BAM! You’re done.
The combination of the fig with the cardamom is the most indulgent flavors in a cocktail, but paired with the tonic it’s still light and refreshing. It is the perfect drink for early fall when it’s still warm but there is that slight crisp in the air.
What’s your favorite fall beverage?
