Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail (2024)

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By Shawn Williams

4.41 from 5 votes

May 17, 2019, Updated Mar 21, 2024

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Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail (2)

One of our favorite restaurants in a neighboring town (Chiara Bistro), makes their own homemade vanilla and fig infused bourbon. I order it whenever we go because there is nothing quite like it. It’s like sipping on an Old Fashioned without actually being an Old Fashioned. Give it an orange peel twist and bitters and you’ve got yourself a fig and vanilla Old Fashioned.

Fig and vanilla infused bourbon is darker and slightly more viscous than ‘naked’ bourbon. Over the two week infusing period, the figs will release natural sugars and render the bourbon a little thicker and sweeter, almost like a dessert bourbon. Spirit infusions are a little bit of work upfront, but the options are endless in terms of the unique flavors you can mix up in co*cktails.

For more vanilla notes, try a chocolate martini with or without espresso. You might also enjoy a classic Eggnog.

Table of Contents

  • How to Infuse Bourbon
  • More co*cktails You’ll Love
  • Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe

How to Infuse Bourbon

This recipe is really simple. I used about a cup of dried Mission figs, cut into quarters, and two vanilla beans split down the middle (exposing the seeds and flavor). Take a whiff, it’s Heaven. Let everything steep in a sealed glass container with a fifth of your favorite bourbon for about two weeks for best results. You can add just about any spice or fruit under the moon to add your own flavors.

I tasted every few days to gauge where it was at. Strain using a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into a new glass container. The bourbon should last several months if stored at room temp in a dark location.

The added fig and vanilla flavor is noticeable but certainly not overpowering. You can experiment by adding additional figs or an extra vanilla bean for bolder flavors.

One final tip, there is no need to use top-shelf bourbon for infusions, in fact I would stress against it. There are several solid brands that are perfect without breaking the bank. Elijah Craig, Makers, Bulleit, and Knob Creek to name a few.

More co*cktails You’ll Love

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe)

Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe

Manhattan co*cktail Recipe

Sazerac co*cktail Recipe

Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail (7)
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

4.41 from 5 votes

Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 750 ml

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

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Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail (8)

Your favorite bourbon infused with dried figs and vanilla beans. Perfect for an Old Fashioned or sipping on the rocks.

Equipment

Ingredients

Fig and vanilla infused bourbon

  • 1 cup dried mission figs, halved
  • 2 vanilla beans, split down middle
  • 750 ml fifth of bourbon

Fig and vanilla Old Fashioned

  • 2 ounces fig and vanilla infused bourbon
  • 1/4 ounce simple syrup or 1 sugar cube with a splash of water, muddled
  • 2 dashes black walnut bitters, Angostura bitters will do
  • 1 orange peel
  • sliced dried fig garnish, optional

Instructions

Fig and vanilla infused bourbon

  • Combine vanilla beans, figs, and bourbon in a glass jar or container with a tight lid.

  • Let sit for 10-14 days for in a cool dark place.

  • Strain with a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into a clean glass container with lid. Enjoy.

Fig and vanilla Old Fashioned

  • In amixing glass, combine simple syrup, bitters, and infused bourbon. Fillmixing glasshalfway with ice, then stir vigorously about a dozen times.

  • Strain into an old-fashioned glass over agiant ice cube. Squeeze orange peel over glass to extract oils, wipe the rim of the glass with the peel and add to the glass.

  • Garnish with a sliced dried fig.

Notes

Taste the infused bourbon at 10 days and see how you like the flavor, if you think it needs more time/flavor, steep for the full 14 days.

A coffee filter is best for straining otherwise you may end up with sediment or fine vanilla beans in the bottom of the bourbon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 6mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail (2024)

FAQs

Fig and Vanilla Infused Bourbon Recipe + Old Fashioned co*cktail? ›

What is this? Bourbon infusions start with bourbon and add flavor components to it via other food or spice elements. You could add cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg. You might want to add apples, peaches, or blackberries.

What does bourbon infused mean? ›

What is this? Bourbon infusions start with bourbon and add flavor components to it via other food or spice elements. You could add cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg. You might want to add apples, peaches, or blackberries.

How to replace vanilla extract with bourbon? ›

My go-to spirits are dark rum, bourbon, and brandy. You can use whichever brand you have on hand—no need to use something fancy, here. (If you have none of the above, you could try almond extract or maple syrup, too.) Simply swap out the vanilla extract and replace with 1 to 2 times that amount in alcohol.

How do you infuse bourbon at home? ›

To make each infusion, add the ingredients to the bottom of a jar and pour the bourbon over top. Seal the jar (just with a regular lid!) and set in a cool place (preferably somewhere dark) for 2 weeks.

How long to infuse tea in bourbon? ›

For the Pu-erh Infused Bourbon: Combine tea and bourbon in a jar and cover the jar. Let steep at room temperature for 2 hours. Strain tea leaves and discard. Store infused bourbon in a sealed jar.

Does infused bourbon go bad? ›

Infused spirits are best enjoyed within three months, but they will never go bad. See our co*cktail recipes for ideas on how to use your infused alcohol.

What does vanilla made with bourbon taste like? ›

What Does Bourbon Vanilla Taste Like? The Planifolia orchid yields vanilla beans which are rich in that classic vanilla flavor recognized around the world. These Bourbon vanilla beans are highly regarded for their cream-like overtones supported by notes of caramel and chocolate.

What is the best bourbon to infuse vanilla with? ›

Buffalo Trace: This Kentucky bourbon offers a smooth and mellow taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. It's an excellent choice for creating a well rounded vanilla extract. Maker's Mark: Known for its approachable and slightly sweet flavor.

Is vanilla extract better with vodka or bourbon? ›

With Vodka, you get the taste of the pure vanilla bean, as the alcohol is completely tasteless. With Rum, you get a very sweet taste and the maximum vanilla taste. With Bourbon, while you do get a wonderfully enhanced vanilla taste, there are specific smoky notes that emanate through the extract.

What is vanilla bourbon called? ›

planifolia species, more commonly known as Bourbon vanilla (after the former name of Réunion, Île Bourbon) or Madagascar vanilla, which is produced in Madagascar and neighboring islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean, and in Indonesia.

How long should you infuse whiskey? ›

You can infuse whisky for up to a week. But we recommend tasting your concoction every day to make sure it's only as strong as you want it. And don't forget to shake. Get the most out of your flavours by shaking or stirring the whisky each day.

What is the best water to dilute bourbon with? ›

With no minerals or additives, distilled water is ideal for adding to whiskey because it enhances whiskey without introducing any new flavors. “When used to dilute whiskey, distilled water simply allows the flavor compounds to debond from the ethanol without distorting its taste,” Farrell says.

How long does homemade bourbon last? ›

While whiskey doesn't necessarily expire, it does start to lose flavor and elements after it is opened. An unopened bottle of whiskey will last indefinitely if stored in proper condition. After opening a bottle of whiskey, you have as long as two years or as few as six months or less to drink it before it goes bad.

Can you infuse liquor too long? ›

Infusing for too long may result in an overly strong, bitter, or sweet drink, so make sure to follow our instructions and timing below!

What does vanilla bourbon tea taste like? ›

The flavor really is unique. Sometimes you can only smell the aroma with the black tea variations. In this case you taste the vanilla with a slight hint of bourbon. Try it with some French Vanilla creamer for a fantastic cup of tea!

What tea is good to infuse with whiskey? ›

Whiskey and Green Tea

Whiskey is another great partner for tea. Since the flavor of whiskey is spicy and intense, I recommend steering towards something softer like herbal, white or green tea. I chose a green tea blend to infuse a white whiskey from a local distillery.

Does bourbon infused coffee have alcohol? ›

Coffee soaked in fine Kentucky Bourbon, then roasted to remove the alcohol, so only the Bourbon flavor remains… Our Organic Specialty Grade coffee is soaked in fine Kentucky Bourbon before it's roasted, until the beans absorb every drop.

How do you smoke infused bourbon? ›

To smoke a bourbon co*cktail, prepare your glass with ice and set it aside. Use a smoking gun to fill a co*cktail shaker with smoke, add your co*cktail ingredients and bourbon, then shake well. Pour into the prepared glass and serve immediately to enjoy the smoky flavor.

What is whiskey infused? ›

Infusing whisky is a simple process that can turn your beloved spirit into a completely new drinking experience or add a twist to your favourite classic drink. Whether you want to add a touch of sweetness, fruitiness, or spices and herbs, you really can't go wrong.

Why do people dip cigars in bourbon? ›

Using alcohol to rehydrate instead of water added more flavor to the smoke experience. It is also convenient for many cigar aficionados who enjoy a glass of their favorite spirits with their cigars. Dipping your cigars in alcohol is no longer necessary.

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