Bobbie'sKitchen
Cocktails & Mocktails

Brown Sugar Fig Old Fashioned

Bourbon, brown sugar and figs with warm spices in a rich autumn Old Fashioned.

Brown Sugar Fig Old Fashioned, photographed by Bobbie
The original food picture from Bobbie's recipe card.
Makes 1 drink (or a pitcher for 8) 10 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook), as printed; syrup method requires 10–15 minutes simmering plus coolingBuy ingredients on Amazon Make a shopping list for this
Contains alcoholAdults onlyMake ahead

Contains alcohol — adults only. Card heading prints 10 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook), but the syrup method requires 10–15 minutes simmering plus cooling; both are preserved. Bobbie confirmed 16–24 dashes (about 2–3 tsp, adjusted to taste) Angostura bitters for the 8-drink pitcher. Pitcher: mix in a large pitcher with ice; stir well and serve over large ice cubes; garnish with orange slices, fig slices and rosemary sprigs. Tips: fresh seasonal figs or high-quality preserves; large ice cubes; steep syrup up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor; smoked bourbon; express orange peel; use 1 oz bourbon and sparkling water for a lighter version. Variations: cinnamon or nutmeg; replace half the syrup with maple syrup; ginger beer; pomegranate seeds. Mocktail: non-alcoholic bourbon alternative with sparkling water. Syrup keeps airtight refrigerated up to 2 weeks; mixed cocktail without ice can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, stirring with ice before serving. Pair with charcuterie, aged cheese, roast nuts, herb stuffing, Brie, chocolate desserts, pecan pie, warm cinnamon rolls or holiday appetizers.

Ingredients

Fig brown sugar syrup (about 1 cup, enough for 8 drinks, as printed)

  • 6 fresh figs (or ½ cup fig preserves)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • ½ cup water (120 ml)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 strip orange peel

Cocktail (1 drink)

  • 2 oz bourbon (60 ml)
  • ½ oz fig brown sugar syrup (15 ml)
  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange slice or orange peel
  • Ice (large cube preferred)

Garnish

  • Fresh fig slice (optional)
  • Orange peel
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Rosemary sprig (optional)

Pitcher (8 servings, as printed)

  • 16 oz bourbon (480 ml)
  • 4 oz fig brown sugar syrup (120 ml)
  • 16–24 dashes Angostura bitters (about 2–3 tsp, adjusted to taste)

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Method

  1. 1

    Make the fig brown sugar syrup: in a small saucepan, combine figs, brown sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves and orange peel. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until the figs are soft and the syrup is rich and fragrant. Remove from heat, let cool and strain. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  2. 2

    Prepare the glass: add a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass. Optionally, rub an orange slice around the rim for extra aroma.

  3. 3

    Make the cocktail: in the glass, combine bourbon, fig brown sugar syrup and bitters. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.

  4. 4

    Garnish and enjoy: express an orange peel over the drink. Add a fresh fig slice, cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig. Sip and savor!

Get this in a pack

Brown Sugar Fig Old Fashioned is printed in Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails

29 recipes, each on its own printable page, with a shopping list. Instant download. See what's inside

$9

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From Bobbie's “Bobbie's Recipe Card 104”. Written up by Bobbie's Kitchen · Updated 26 October 2026