Fig New Fashioned

Nocino is an Italian liqueur that’s infused with unripe walnuts. You can find recipes for making your own online, but it’s also available at any well-stocked liquor store. The recipe makes enough fig-infused rye for about 12 drinks.

Ingredients:

For the fig-infused rye:

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups fresh figs, or 12 oz. (375 g) dried figs
  • 1 bottle (24 fl. oz./750 ml) rye

  • 1 oz. (30 ml) nocino
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry
  • 1 fresh fig half (optional)

Directions:

If using fresh figs, in a large jar, combine the fresh figs and rye. Cover and set aside in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours and up to 3 days. If using dried figs, in a large jar, combine the dried figs and rye. Cover and set aside in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks and up to 3 weeks. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove the figs and their seeds. Discard the solids. You will need 2 oz. (60 ml) of the infused rye for this cocktail; refrigerate the rest for making more cocktails. The infused rye will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

To assemble the drink, in a mixing glass, combine 2 oz. (60 ml) of the fig-infused rye, the nocino and bitters. Fill the glass three-fourths full with ice and, using a bar spoon, stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain over a single large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass. Skewer the cherry and fig with a cocktail pick, garnish the cocktail with the pick and serve immediately. Makes 1 drink.

Recipe by Ashley Rose Conway, creator of Craft + Cocktails