Notorious F.I.G.

presented by Shannon Dunbar-Wilson, The Barrel House at Sandy River Distillery

Ingredients:

1.5 oz High Bridge Rye Whiskey

1 oz spiced fig syrup*

1 oz pear juice

1 oz fresh lemon

2-3 dashes aromatic bitters

1-2 drops saline

Half fig & thyme sprigs for garnish **

*Fig Syrup

1 cup cane sugar
1 cup water
4-5 whole cloves
2-3 whole star anise
2 Tbsp local honey
Several thyme sprigs
4-5 halved turkey figs
2 broken cinnamon sticks
2 crushed cardamom pods
Dash orange bitters

Preparation:

Pour High Bridge Rye Whiskey into a Boston shaker. Add pear juice, spiced fig simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters, along with 1-2 drops of saline to enhance the flavor balance. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over ice.

Fig Syrup:

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup of water, and 4-5 halved figs. Add spices, bring the water to a light simmer until the figs become soft, then lightly mash the figs and add the sugar, honey, and bitters. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool, then strain out the solids and store refrigerated in an airtight food safe container. Lasts 2-3 weeks. weeks.

**For garnish, place a halved fig on top, dust it with blackberry sugar, and use a torch to lightly brûlée the surface. Enjoy!