Spiced Fig Gin Old Fashioned

Why This Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another cocktail recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the Old Fashioned in a whole new dimension. Here’s why this Empress 1908 Gin cocktail is destined to become a staple in your home bar:

• It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced mixologists.
• The homemade fig and cardamom simple syrup is versatile, allowing you to create multiple cocktails, and it impressively lasts up to a month in the refrigerator.
• The cocktail is simply beautiful, thanks to the enchanting indigo hue of Empress 1908 Gin, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or a special evening.
• The unique combination of cardamom and fig flavors is perfectly subtle yet profoundly intriguing, offering a sophisticated taste that truly stands out.
• This recipe is a must-try for any gin lover looking to explore beyond traditional gin and tonics or martinis, offering a deep, complex, and spirit-forward experience.
• It offers a captivating modern twist on a historical classic, celebrating gin’s original role in Old Fashioned cocktails.

Understanding the Old Fashioned: A Historical Journey

The Old Fashioned stands as one of the most iconic and frequently ordered cocktails worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal and balanced simplicity. To truly appreciate our gin-centric rendition, it’s helpful to delve into its rich history.

The foundational concept of a “cocktail” – a mixture of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters – emerged in the early 18th century in England, though it wasn’t yet formally named. By the early 1800s in the United States, this drink recipe was commonly referenced, featuring various spirits, including both gin and whiskey. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that people began specifically requesting a drink prepared “the old-fashioned way” with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water (often from melted ice). This insistence on a traditional, stripped-back method gave the cocktail its enduring name and cemented its classic whiskey-forward identity.

However, what many don’t realize is that gin was a very common spirit in these early “old fashioned” preparations. Before whiskey became the undisputed champion, gin played a significant role. Our Empress 1908 Indigo Gin Old Fashioned pays homage to this forgotten history, bringing gin back to its rightful place in this cocktail lineage. The carefully selected botanicals in Empress 1908 Gin integrate seamlessly, offering a perfectly balanced and delicious drink. The subtle lemon bitters, combined with our exotic fig and cardamom simple syrup, create an enchanting complexity that makes this gin old fashioned a true delight and a fantastic exploration for anyone passionate about classic cocktails.

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: A Unique Choice for Your Old Fashioned

While many gin old fashioneds might use a traditional London Dry, our recipe specifically calls for Empress 1908 Indigo Gin for several compelling reasons. This premium gin, handcrafted in Victoria, British Columbia, is infused with butterfly pea blossom, which gives it its distinctive, natural indigo hue. This captivating color beautifully transforms to a soft pink when mixed with citrus, adding an element of visual magic to your cocktail experience.

Beyond its stunning visual appeal, Empress 1908 boasts a sophisticated botanical profile that includes juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, rose petal, ginger root, and cinnamon bark, alongside the butterfly pea blossom. These botanicals contribute a delicate balance of citrus, spice, and floral notes, which harmoniously complement the fig and cardamom syrup without overpowering it. The result is a gin old fashioned that is both complex and incredibly smooth, allowing the unique flavors to shine through beautifully. Choosing Empress 1908 truly elevates this cocktail from merely a drink to a sensory masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned

Crafting this exquisite Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its unique flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Granulated Sugar & Water: These form the base of our simple syrup. We use a classic 1:1 ratio (equal parts sugar and water) for a balanced sweetness that perfectly carries the fig and cardamom flavors.
• Dried Figs: These provide the primary fruit flavor for our simple syrup. Dried figs offer a concentrated, honeyed sweetness with earthy undertones, which are essential for the syrup’s depth. They are readily available in most grocery stores and contribute significantly to the cocktail’s rich character.
• Green Cardamom Pods: The aromatic backbone of our simple syrup. Green cardamom is prized for its intense, slightly sweet, floral, and citrusy flavor with hints of eucalyptus. We recommend using whole green cardamom pods, gently cracked, as they release a more complex and fresher aroma compared to ground cardamom. This subtle spice is what gives the cocktail its intriguing, exotic flair.
• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: As discussed, this beautiful botanical gin is central to our recipe. Its distinctive color and balanced flavor profile, with notes of citrus, rose, and ginger, make it perfectly suited for a wide variety of cocktails, especially this unique Old Fashioned.
• Lemon Bitters: Instead of traditional Angostura bitters, lemon bitters offer a brighter, more zesty balance that beautifully complements the gin and the fig-cardamom syrup. They add a layer of complexity without overwhelming the delicate flavors. These are becoming increasingly popular and are widely available.
• Meyer Lemon Zest: A final flourish! A light spritz of oil from a freshly expressed Meyer lemon peel over the finished drink invigorates the senses and replaces the traditional orange zest. Meyer lemons are a hybrid of a regular lemon and a mandarin orange, offering a sweeter, less acidic, and more aromatic zest that truly enhances this cocktail.
• Fresh Figs: (Optional garnish) A slice of fresh fig not only adds an extra touch of visual elegance but also reinforces the fig flavor, making the drink even more inviting.

For precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Thoughtful Substitutions for Your Gin Old Fashioned

While we highly recommend using the specified ingredients for the optimal experience, here are a few common and effective substitutions you can consider based on availability or personal preference:

• Meyer Lemon: If Meyer lemons are out of season or unavailable, you can certainly use the zest from a regular fresh lemon for a bright citrus note. Alternatively, for a more traditional Old Fashioned twist, orange zest can be used, though it will slightly alter the overall flavor profile.
• Green Cardamom: While green cardamom pods provide a brighter, more floral, and citrusy note, you can use the larger, brown cardamom pods. Be aware that brown cardamom has a smokier, more earthy flavor that will impart a different, though still delicious, character to your simple syrup.
• Lemon Bitters: If lemon bitters are not accessible, several other types of bitters can work well. Orange bitters are an excellent substitute, offering a complementary citrus profile. For a more classic Old Fashioned feel, Angostura bitters can also be used, which will introduce a more traditional spiced and herbaceous note.

Crafting Your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this sophisticated cocktail is surprisingly straightforward. The simple syrup, which can be prepared in advance, is the most time-consuming part, but it’s well worth the effort and lasts for weeks. Once your syrup is ready, assembling the cocktail takes mere moments, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful drink with minimal fuss!

Essential Equipment for the Perfect Old Fashioned

To successfully craft this Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned, you’ll need a few standard bar tools and perhaps one optional item to elevate your experience:

• Mixing glass: Essential for chilling and diluting your cocktail without over-aerating it.
• Bar spoon: For gentle stirring, ensuring proper chilling and dilution.
• Rocks glass / old fashioned glass: The classic vessel for this cocktail. Any sturdy, short glass will work, or specifically the elegant ones we’ve pictured.
• Large Format Ice Cube maker: (Optional, but highly recommended) A large, clear ice cube melts slower, ensuring your cocktail remains perfectly chilled and undiluted for longer, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
• Small saucepan: For making the simple syrup.
• Fine-mesh sieve: To strain the solids from your simple syrup.
• Airtight container: For storing your homemade simple syrup.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fig Cardamom Simple Syrup

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Add 10 dried figs, halved to expose their flavorful interiors, and 6 whole green cardamom pods, gently cracked to release their intense aroma.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. This resting period allows for maximum flavor extraction.
• Once cool, pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container, discarding the fig and cardamom solids. Store the finished syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, ready for your next cocktail!

Step 2: Assemble Your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned

• In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, 3 teaspoons of your freshly made fig cardamom simple syrup, and 2 dashes of lemon bitters.
• Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. This process chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail to perfection.
• Place a large format ice cube into an old fashioned glass. Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass over the ice cube.
• Take a Meyer lemon peel and gently express its oils over the drink by twisting it. This releases a fragrant citrus mist that brightens the cocktail. Discard the peel or use it as a garnish.
• For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned with a fresh Meyer lemon peel and a halved fresh fig, if desired. Serve immediately and savor the unique blend of flavors!

Creative Variations to Explore

This Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your palate:

• You could swap star anise with cardamom in the simple syrup. Star anise offers a distinct licorice-like flavor with warm, sweet undertones, creating a delightful alternative that is still balanced and not overpowering.
• Experiment with different bitters to subtly yet noticeably alter the flavor profile. Beyond the suggested lemon bitters, you might try:
  • Cardamom Bitters: To amplify the existing cardamom notes for a richer spice profile.
  • Angostura Bitters: For a more traditional, herbaceous, and robust Old Fashioned character.
  • Orange Bitters: To enhance citrus notes and add a classic warmth.
  • Cherry Bitters: To introduce a subtle fruitiness that can complement the fig.
  • Grapefruit or Lime Bitters: For a more tart and bright citrus kick.
• Consider adding a touch of a high-quality aged rum instead of gin for a dark, complex, and fig-forward Old Fashioned.

Maximizing Freshness: Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade simple syrup and even preparing this cocktail in advance:

How to store homemade Fig Cardamom Simple Syrup:

• Our simple syrup, made with a 1:1 sugar to water ratio, benefits from the preservative qualities of sugar. Store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• For even longer preservation, you can freeze the simple syrup in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to thaw small portions as needed, extending its life considerably.

Make a Large Batch for Entertaining:

• Planning a party? You can easily scale up this Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned recipe to serve a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients for the gin, simple syrup, and bitters by the number of servings you need.
• Combine these ingredients (without ice) in a large pitcher or bottle and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When guests arrive, simply pour the pre-batched mixture over large ice cubes in individual old fashioned glasses, express a fresh Meyer lemon peel, and garnish. This significantly reduces prep time during your event.

Top Tip for an Unforgettable Gin Old Fashioned

To truly elevate your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned and impress your guests, invest in large format ice cubes. A single large, clear ice cube (like those made with a silicone mold) melts much slower than standard ice cubes. This means your cocktail stays perfectly chilled without becoming overly diluted too quickly, preserving the complex flavors of the Empress 1908 Gin, fig, and cardamom for the entire duration of your enjoyment. It’s a small detail that makes a significant difference in both presentation and taste.

Perfect Pairings: Appetizers for Your Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned

The nuanced flavors of this Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned make it a versatile drink that pairs well with a variety of appetizers. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but here are some suggestions that we believe complement its unique profile:

• For a cocktail party, consider our popular Asparagus and Mushroom Cheese Soufflé Bites. Their savory, earthy notes will beautifully contrast the sweet and spicy elements of the cocktail.
• Another excellent choice would be our Cranberry Serrano Glazed Meatballs. The sweet and tangy glaze with a hint of heat would provide an exciting counterpoint to the gin’s botanicals and the fig-cardamom syrup.
• Think about cheese boards featuring strong, aged cheeses like gouda or cheddar, along with fig preserves and spiced nuts.
• Mediterranean-inspired small bites, such as olives, hummus with pita bread, or even lamb kofta, would also harmonize with the exotic notes of cardamom and fig.

The Manhattan is arguably the most similar cocktail to an Old Fashioned. Both are spirit-forward classics, traditionally made with whiskey. The key difference lies in the sweetener and modifier: an Old Fashioned uses simple syrup (or a sugar cube) and water (from dilution), while a Manhattan incorporates sweet vermouth and often bitters. Both offer a rich, complex drinking experience.

Traditionally, the Old Fashioned is made with whiskey, most commonly bourbon due to its sweet and rich characteristics, or rye whiskey for a spicier profile. However, as our recipe demonstrates, gin was historically a common base spirit and works beautifully, especially a botanical gin like Empress 1908. You can also find variations made with brandy, though this is less common. The “best” alcohol ultimately depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you desire. The beauty of modern mixology is the freedom to experiment and discover new favorites!

Traditional Old Fashioned cocktails are indeed quite potent because they are designed to be spirit-forward. Unlike many other cocktails that incorporate juices, soda water, or significant amounts of other mixers that dilute the alcohol, an Old Fashioned primarily consists of a strong base spirit, a small amount of sweetener, and a dash of bitters. The only “dilution” typically comes from the melting ice as you sip, which slowly mellows the drink. This minimalist approach allows the quality and character of the base spirit to truly shine through, resulting in a robust and flavorful drink.

Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned Cocktail