The idea for this cocktail came from a delicious problem: my parents’ fig tree. A few years back, they planted one at their home, just a couple of miles away. When it’s in season, it goes into full-on production mode. We’re talking about a fig tsunami.

Everyone we know gets a share—they’re amazing as a quick snack or tossed into a salad with some blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. But eventually, you run out of friends to give them to, recipes to use and freezer space to store them.

Faced with this incredible bounty, I went on a quest for a new, creative use. My answer was found on a local restaurant’s cocktail menu, which listed a drink with whiskey and caramelized fig syrup. BOOM! The F.I.G. was born.

There are three reasons behind the name “The Notorious.” The first is my parents, who are notorious for pushing their abundance of figs on everyone they know. The second reason came from our weekly tradition of watching a classic film; that week, we watched one of my favorites, the 1946 Hitchcock thriller Notorious, starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. The final and most honest reason is that I plugged the ingredients into an AI tool and asked for name suggestions. When the playful “Notorious B.I.G.” came up, combining the film we just watched with the fig “problem,” it was an obvious choice.

I suppose it could be served on the rocks more like an old fashioned but as I said, I like a boozy drink. There you go with another reference, this is like a Manhattan (or Brooklyn) and Notorious B.I.G. was from New York.

Why is the Notorious F.I.G. Cocktail so good?

1. Deep, Warming Base 🥃
Rye whiskey brings a spicy, robust backbone that’s bold enough to stand up to rich fruit flavors without getting lost.

2. Elegant Citrus Lift 🍊
Grand Marnier and orange bitters add brightness and a touch of sweetness, balancing the darker, deeper notes of fig and vinegar.

3. Sweet–Tart Complexity 🫐
Caramelized fig syrup brings jammy richness, while blueberry balsamic adds a tangy, slightly savory acidity—creating a chef-like flavor balance.

4. Textural Harmony ✨
The cocktail is smooth and velvety on the palate, with each sip revealing different layers—first spice, then fruit, then a lingering citrus–spice finish.

5. Multi-Sensory Appeal 👀👃
The garnish of orange twist and fresh fig provides aroma before the first sip, the deep color is visually striking, and the flavor progression keeps people coming back for “just one more taste.”

Introducing the Notorious F.I.G. Cocktail

Ingredients for the Notorious F.I.G.

• 2 oz Rye Whiskey (Willett Family Reserve Rye is what I used)
• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 barspoon blueberry balsamic vinegar (or just regular balsamic)
• 3/4 oz caramelized fig syrup (see recipe below)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Orange twist and fresh fig for garnish

How to make the Notorious F.I.G.

• Fill a cocktail mixer with ice. Add rye whiskey, blue berry balsamic vinegar, fig syrup and orange bitters.
• Stir to combine, about 20 seconds.
• Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
• Garnish with expressed orange peel and fresh fig.
• Enjoy!

Caramelized Fig Syrup Recipe

A couple quick notes here. I tend to add more vanilla than a recipe calls for, don’t do that here. It can overwhelm the syrup. Also, make sure to preserve the caramelized figs after you strain them. They are fantastic and go great as a dessert topper or in some cereal/oatmeal in the morning.

Ingredients for a Caramelized Fig Syrup

• 2 cups chopped fresh figs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup raw sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

How to make a Caramelized Fig Syrup

1. Add the chopped fresh figs, water, sugar, vanilla extract and lemon juice into a medium sauce pan.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Strain through a fine strainer into a glass jar.
5. Well done! Now you can make The Notorious F.I.G. 😀

Did you try this The Notorious F.I.G. Cocktail? Let us know in the comments. Check out some of our martini, Manhattan or other cocktail recipes. Please consider following us on IG, X, FB, PI, BSky or TT.