Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour

Imagine this: it’s a crisp evening, you’re curled up in your favorite cozy sweater, and the air smells faintly of cinnamon and autumn leaves.

What’s missing? A drink that perfectly matches the vibe—a Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour.

This cocktail is the ideal blend of warmth, spice, and sophistication. It’s slightly tangy, subtly sweet, and has just enough bourbon to give you that signature cocktail kick.

I love this recipe because it feels fancy but isn’t fussy to make. It’s perfect for hosting dinner parties, impressing your date, or just treating yourself after a long day.

Plus, figs are the unsung heroes of seasonal fruit, and this cocktail gives them the spotlight they deserve.

Ready to shake things up? Let’s get started.

Why This Cocktail Works

The Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour is a celebration of contrasts: the warmth of bourbon meets the bright tang of lemon, while the spiced fig syrup adds a layer of cozy complexity.

The frothy egg white ties it all together with a velvety texture, making each sip feel indulgent.

It’s the perfect drink for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or quiet nights by the fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your lineup of ingredients for this flavorful cocktail:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz spiced fig syrup
• 1 egg white
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice (for shaking)
• Fresh fig or lemon twist (for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Bourbon
The star of the show! Choose a mid-range bourbon that balances sweetness and spice, like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve. The bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes pair beautifully with the fig syrup.

Fresh Lemon Juice
No bottled stuff here, folks. Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving that perfect tangy balance in your sour. Roll your lemon on the counter before cutting to release more juice.

Spiced Fig Syrup
This is the magical ingredient that makes this cocktail special. To make it, simmer chopped figs, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of nutmeg until it thickens into a syrup. Strain and cool it before using. (Trust me, it’s worth the effort, and you’ll have leftovers for other drinks or desserts.)

Egg White
Before you panic, no, this won’t make your drink taste like an omelet. The egg white adds a silky, frothy texture to the cocktail. If raw eggs aren’t your thing, pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba (chickpea water) are great substitutes.

Angostura Bitters
These little drops of herbal goodness bring depth and complexity to the cocktail. A dash is all you need to elevate the flavor profile.

Ice
Essential for shaking up a chilled and perfectly diluted drink. Pro tip: Use larger cubes if you can—they melt slower and give you a better shake.

Garnish
A fresh fig slice or a lemon twist is the finishing touch that makes your drink look as good as it tastes.

How to Make A Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour

Making a Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour is simpler than you think – follow these steps for a cocktail that’ll impress even the pickiest drink snob:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you dive in, make sure you’ve got everything ready. Gather your shaker, strainer, jigger (or measuring cup), and a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Nothing ruins cocktail zen like scrambling for tools mid-shake.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Fig Syrup

If you haven’t made your spiced fig syrup yet, now’s the time.

Combine ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, 5 chopped fresh figs, 1 cinnamon stick, and a pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan.

Simmer on low for 10 minutes, then strain out the solids and let it cool. This syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 3: Dry Shake

Add the bourbon, lemon juice, spiced fig syrup, and egg white to your cocktail shaker—but don’t add ice just yet.

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This is called a “dry shake” and it helps whip up a luscious foam from the egg white.

Step 4: Shake with Ice

Now add ice to the shaker and shake again, this time for 20-30 seconds.

This step chills and dilutes the drink while making the foam even fluffier. Think of it as the cocktail version of a double workout for maximum results.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Double strain your cocktail into your chilled glass to remove any ice shards and achieve that smooth, velvety finish. You can use a fine mesh strainer for this step—it’s worth the extra effort for a clean presentation.

Step 6: Garnish

Top your drink with a fresh fig slice or a twist of lemon peel. For extra flair, run the lemon peel around the rim of the glass before twisting it into a curl.

Tips for Perfecting Your Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour

• Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. A frosty glass keeps your drink colder for longer.
• Taste and Adjust: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add an extra splash of fig syrup. Like it more tart? Squeeze in a touch more lemon juice.
• Make It Non-Alcoholic: Swap the bourbon for brewed black tea for a booze-free version that still feels fancy.
• Batch It for a Crowd: Multiply the ingredients for a pitcher-sized version, but skip the egg white. Serve over ice and garnish individually.

Spiced Fig Bourbon Sour Recipe

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