It’s that time of year: time for the season’s first cold to run roughshod over our family. All four of us are pretty well knocked out this week, and there’s really only one cure: a Hot Toddy. This one matches some fall favorites, maple and bourbon, with the earthy sweetness of figs. Good stuff. – Andrew

Illustration by Shauna Lynn for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Maple-Fig Bourbon Hot Toddy

2 oz Bourbon
1 oz Fig-Infused Maple Syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
6 oz Hot Water

To infuse the syrup, combine a cup of chopped figs, with the stems removed, and a cup of maple syrup in a sauce pan and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover. Let the syrup sit for about an hour, then strain out the figs and bottle the syrup. (As a bonus, try roasting the leftover figs with some rosemary or thyme in the oven.)

Combine the bourbon, maple, and lemon in a mug and add boiling water. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and garnish with a whole cinnamon stick.

So good: hot, sweet, with an oaky bourbon kick, redolent with fall flavors, and some immune system-boosting citrus. Have two. They’re medicinal.

PS – If you’re looking for more cocktail recipes, I’ve started a weekly cocktail series focused on a single ingredient along with techniques and vintage glassware finds on my Instagram account, @liquorary. Check it out for some other ideas for the fig-maple syrup!

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper