The Marriage of Figaro Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 05/6/21
Judy Bronson's The Marriage of Figaro Cocktail
Sheri L Giblin / Photodisc / Getty Images
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Infusion: 120 hrs
Total: 120 hrs 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The beauty of The Marriage of Figaro cocktail is the use of fig-infused bourbon. It is spectacular, and a natural flavor pairing that you'll find fascinating. It's definitely a homemade infusion, but while you have it, think of using it to spice up other favorite whiskey cocktails, such as the Manhattan, for a unique twist.

Beyond the infusion itself, this cocktail recipe contains a complex and rich blend of flavor. It was created by Judy Bronson and she did a wonderful job of finding a balance with this unique ingredient.

The fig-infused bourbon is paired with equal parts of regular bourbon and Cardamaro, adding allspice dram for the perfect finishing touch. While you may be tempted to use any amaro (e.g., Averna), it's highly recommended to hold out for Cardamaro. It includes cardoon (artichoke-like) and blessed thistle and tends to be less bitter than other options.

Ingredients

For the Fig-Infused Bourbon:

  • 1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon whiskey

  • 1/8 pound dried Turkish figs, diced

  • 1/4 pound dried black mission figs, diced

For the Cocktail:

  • 1 ounce fig-infused bourbon whiskey

  • 1 ounce bourbon whiskey

  • 1 ounce amaro

  • 1 teaspoon allspice dram

  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Steps to Make It

Make the Fig-Infused Bourbon

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a large glass jar, pour a full bottle of bourbon.

  3. Add 1/8 pound of diced, dried Turkish figs and 1/4 pound of diced, dried black mission figs.

  4. Seal the jar tightly, and allow the infusion to rest in a cool, dark place for five to seven days, agitating the mixture every 24 hours.

  5. Strain the infusion first through a fine-mesh strainer, then through cheesecloth, pouring the strained liquor back into the original bottle.

Tips

  • The varieties of figs chosen are very specific and a perfect combination for the whiskey. Black mission figs are very sweet, while brown Turkish figs are noticeably milder and lighter.
  • The infused bourbon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Make the Marriage of Figaro Cocktail

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the 2 bourbons, amaro, and allspice dram.

  3. Stir well.

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  5. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve and enjoy.

How Strong Is a Marriage of Figaro?

Whenever a cocktail's made entirely of alcoholic ingredients, you should expect it to be a strong drink. This one is no exception, weighing in at an average 27 percent ABV (54 proof). Savor its amazing taste, but keep in mind that a second or third round will add up very quickly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
474 Calories
3g Fat
104g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 474
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 20mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 104g 38%
Dietary Fiber 22g 79%
Total Sugars 47g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 432mg 2,159%
Calcium 202mg 16%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 1309mg 28%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)