Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)

Remember that caramelized fig syrup I made for The Notorious F.I.G. Cocktail? Yeah… turns out I went a little overboard. I don’t have a ton of figs anymore, but I do have a ton of fig syrup. (Pro tip: it freezes well, but still—I wasn’t about to let it go to waste.)

So, here’s the sequel: a rich, spirit-forward Fig Old Fashioned I’m calling the Fig & Barrel (fig because fig syrup and barrel because barrel proof bourbon). It leans into that syrup’s deep, jammy sweetness, rounded out with barrel proof bourbon, walnut bitters, and a fresh fig + orange peel garnish. Think cozy, sophisticated, and just the right amount of cheeky.

Perfect for anyone who believes figs deserve more than a cameo in jam jars.

Why does the Fig & Barrel work?

Great question! The Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned) works because each ingredient layers flavor in a way that keeps the drink balanced while still playful:

Barrel proof bourbon → Brings a bold, high-proof backbone that can stand up to rich syrup without being drowned out. The oak, vanilla, and spice notes naturally complement figs.
Caramelized fig syrup → Adds deep, jammy sweetness with a touch of roasted complexity (since you caramelized the figs). This echoes classic Old Fashioned sugar but with way more character.
Walnut bitters → Nutty, slightly earthy, and just bitter enough to keep the drink from being cloying. It ties together the bourbon’s oak and the fig’s sweetness.
Orange peel & fresh fig garnish → The citrus oils brighten and lift the heavy flavors, while the fig on the rim reinforces the theme visually and aromatically.

In short:
👉 It works because the bourbon’s strength balances the fig syrup’s sweetness, while the bitters add depth, and the citrus garnish keeps it lively. You end up with a cocktail that’s layered, seasonal, and still true to the Old Fashioned format.

Ingredients for a Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)

2 oz barrel proof bourbon
3/4 oz caramelized fig syrup
2-3 dashes walnut bitters
Fresh fig and expressed orange peel for garnish

How to make a Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)

Add a large ice cube (or two smaller ones) to a chilled rocks glass.
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, caramelized fig syrup, and walnut bitters.
Add ice and stir for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain the cocktail into your prepared rocks glass over the ice.
Express the orange peel over the drink (oils facing the glass), then drop it in. Add a slice of fresh fig on the rim or skewer for flair.

👉 Pro tip: Because you’re using barrel proof bourbon, you’ve got plenty of heat to balance the sweet syrup. If you prefers it less spirit-forward, you can dial back the bourbon slightly (1.75 oz) or up the bitters to keep it from leaning too sweet.