You wouldn’t think it but the combination of Figs and Vinegar creates an incredibly refreshing and delicious liquid that can add a serious kick to any cocktail.
Figs (ficus carica) are among the juiciest, sweetest and most fragrant fruits of late summer. The skin colour of the fig makes little difference to its taste and can range from palest green to deep purple. Figs should be soft and yielding when gently squeezed but still hold their shape.
If you’ve not made a shrub before, it’s basically a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and fruit that steeps overnight to create what is called a “drinking vinegar”.
As they are acidic, shrubs are difficult to mix with fruit juices that are also highly acidic, so you might want to avoid citrus and similar fruits.
You can add it to cocktails, any kind of beverage, and really whatever you want. It’s absolutely delicious and unexpectedly addicting.
If you want to add a bit more of a herbal note, you can always add a little thyme to the mix as well. The addition of cinnamon combines to make a shrub that is perfect in an Old Fashioned.
Fig Shrub
Ingredients
2 cups diced fresh figs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
In a medium glass jar combine the figs, sugar and vinegar. Stir to combine, cover and let sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, strain through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the figs. The shrub will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
This makes a great cocktail, to do so, add crushed ice to a highball glass, then vodka, lime juice, and shrub and stir to combine. Add the club soda and stir again to combine. Garnish with figs and a sprig of thyme.
