I love an old-fashioned. It’s probably one of my favourite cocktails. But adding a beautiful fresh fig to the mix is an easy way to add a bit of interest to this otherwise predictable drink. Depending on how ripe your fig is, muddling it with maple syrup will impart flavours of vanilla, berries or citrus. The surprise ingredient here is red wine vinegar, which adds a nice burst of tang in contrast to the sweet maple syrup.
Makes 1
1 fresh fig, cut into quarters
¼ ounce maple syrup
1 ¾ ounce Canadian whisky
½ tsp red wine vinegar
1 dash bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Place quartered figs and maple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Muddle until a smooth paste forms. Add the whisky, bitters, and red wine vinegar and fill the glass with ice. Shake (or stir) until well-chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with plenty of ice. Garnish with orange zest.