Figgy Pudding Old Fashioned

Just kidding….I googled the ingredients of Figgy Pudding and ironically enough there aren’t even any figs in it! I was just trying to be creative with the name. The name actually came from a fish and curds dish and was actually spelled fige, an old French term meaning curdled. Years later another traditional dish of figs boiled in wine was created but that wasn’t even called Figgy Pudding. Who knows how the term Figgy Pudding got associated with the dense cake made of dried fruits, breadcrumbs, flour, nuts and honey? But, it certainly is a name that most of us associate with Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol,” or the Christmas song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Unlike the real Figgy Pudding this cocktail does have Figs in it. Last week I used Fig simple syrup to make a holiday martini and this week I am using it for a holiday twist on an Old Fashioned. An Old Fashioned typically gets its touch of sweetness from raw sugar that is stirred with the bourbon/whiskey and ice. I used the Fig Simple syrup from last weeks cocktail recipe in place of the raw sugar. Because the simple syrup was made with raw sugar instead of white sugar the depth of flavor is perfect for an Old Fashioned. I added the splash of juice for a touch of color and to balance the sweetness of the Fig Simple Syrup and to make the drink look more festive!

Ingredients:

2 oz Bourbon or Whiskey

1-2 tbsp Fig Simple syrup

3 dashes of Angostura or Orange Bitters

1/2 oz POM juice or Cranberry juice

Sprig of Rosemary

Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until combined and cold. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice or a large cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.