What to do with fresh figs? I’ve got you covered. I recently had an opportunity to #partner up with Uncle Val's Gin to create a summer cocktail using their Botanical Gin - made with juniper, cucumber, lemon, sage and lavender. Its perfect for any summer sipper like a traditional collins so why not incorporate some fresh figs. Cheers y’all!

ingredients:

1½ oz | 45 ml Botanical Gin
¾ oz | 22.5 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
¾ oz Fig/Peppercorn Syrup (Recipe Below)
Lemon Soda Water
5 Drops Fig/Orange Bitters
1 Fresh Fig (Garnish)

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FIG/PEPPERCORN SYRUP

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2 Cups Water

1½ oz | 45 ml Demerara Sugar

15 Small Fresh Figs

5 Black Peppercorns (I used Tasmanian)

¼ oz | 7.5 ml tsp Vanilla Extract

In a saucepan, add water and figs and bring to a slow simmer until the figs soften into the water (use a potato masher if the figs are not falling apart). Add demerara sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and add vanilla extract. Let cool and add to a sealed container. Add 1 tsp of gin to the syrup to fortify and extend the shelf life.

instructions:

Combine all ingredients except for soda water in a shaking tin with ice. Shake for 5 seconds. Double strain and pour into a collins glass over ice. Top with soda water (I used @lacroix). Garnish with a sliced fresh fig. Serve and enjoy.