Rosemary Fig Collins

When autumn arrives and fresh figs make their fleeting appearance in my yard (when I can rescue some from my squirrel nemesis) and at the farmer’s markets, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a Rosemary Fig Collins.

This seasonal riff on the traditional Tom Collins trades the usual simple syrup for homemade fig syrup, while the rosemary brings in those fall flavors you are more familiar with (Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas stuffing, etc.)

What Makes This Cocktail Special

The magic here is in the balance. The fig simple syrup adds body and natural sweetness, while the rosemary syrup enhances the herbal side of your gin.

Lemon juice cuts through with a sharp, refreshing edge, and soda water brings everything to life with a soft fizz.

Mocktail Version

Skip the gin and add an extra 0.5 oz each of fig syrup and lemon juice. Top generously with soda water and stir.

The result is a lightly sparkling, herb-kissed fig lemonade that’s just as refreshing.

Homemade Fig Syrup Tip

Homemade fig syrup is easy — and totally worth the effort.

Simmer chopped figs, sugar, and water until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens. Strain and cool before using.

For a more intense flavor, blend the figs and syrup together after it has cooled and then strain through a fine-mesh strainer. For more clarity, strain through a cheesecloth too.

Store it in the fridge for a week or put it in the freezer for several months.

Tips for Success

Choose the right gin.

A London Dry style with pronounced juniper works beautifully here, but if you prefer something gentler, a floral or citrus-forward gin will let the fig shine even more.

Make your own fig syrup.

If you can find fresh figs, simmer equal parts sugar and water with quartered figs for 15 minutes, then strain. The result is infinitely better than store-bought and captures the true essence of the fruit.

Don’t skip the rosemary syrup.

While listed as optional, this ingredient transforms the drink from good to extraordinary. Make a batch by steeping fresh rosemary in warm simple syrup for 30 minutes, then strain and refrigerate.

Use fresh lemon juice.

This isn’t the place for bottled citrus, actually no cocktail deserves lemon from a bottle. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice provides the bright acidity this cocktail needs to balance the sweetness.

Rosemary Fig Collins

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz fig simple syrup
• 0.25 oz rosemary syrup (optional but worth it)
• Sprig of rosemary
• Soda water, to top

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, lemon juice, fig syrup, and rosemary syrup (if using).
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a fig slice.

Add a Twist

Add a splash (about 0.25 oz) of orange liqueur for a citrusy warmth that complements the fig’s sweetness and the gin’s botanicals.