Figgy-Orange Bitters

Name: Figgy-Orange Bitters
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups overproof bourbon (such as Wild Turkey 101); 1 cup dried figs (about 6 ounces), halved; 8 green cardamom pods, crushed; 4 cloves; 2 fresh figs, halved; Strips of zest from 3 oranges; 1 tablespoon cinchona bark; 1/2 teaspoon gentian root; 1/4 cup dried orange peel; One 3-inch cinnamon stick; 1 vanilla bean, split; 2 tablespoons rich syrup (see Note)

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The bark, roots and other more esoteric ingredients used to make bitters can be found at dandelionbotanical.com. Reinvented Classic Cocktails

By Brad Thomas Parsons

Published on August 19, 2014

Figgy-Orange Bitters — Photo: © Johnny Valiant

Total Time:

20 mins

Yield:

14 ounces

Ingredients

2 cups overproof bourbon (such as Wild Turkey 101)
1 cup dried figs (about 6 ounces), halved
8 green cardamom pods, crushed
4 cloves
2 fresh figs, halved
Strips of zest from 3 oranges
1 tablespoon cinchona bark
1/2 teaspoon gentian root
1/4 cup dried orange peel
One 3-inch cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, split
2 tablespoons rich syrup (see Note)

Directions

In a 1-quart glass jar, combine all of the ingredients except the syrup. Cover and shake well. Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
Strain the infused alcohol into a clean 1-quart glass jar through a cheesecloth-lined funnel. Squeeze any infused alcohol from the cheesecloth into the jar; reserve the solids. Strain the infused alcohol again through new cheesecloth into another clean jar to remove any remaining sediment. Cover the jar and set aside for 1 week.
Meanwhile, transfer the solids to a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes; let cool completely. Pour the liquid and solids into a clean 1-quart glass jar. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 week, shaking the jar once daily.
Strain the water mixture through a cheesecloth-lined funnel set over a clean 1-quart glass jar; discard the solids. If necessary, strain again to remove any remaining sediment. Add the infused alcohol and the syrup. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 days. Pour the bitters through a cheesecloth-lined funnel or strainer and transfer to glass dasher bottles. Cover and keep in a cool, dark place.

Make Ahead

The bitters can be stored at room temperature indefinitely. For best flavor, use within 1 year.

Notes

To make simple syrup, in a small saucepan, dissolve 1 cup of granulated sugar in 1 cup of water over moderate heat; for rich syrup, use 2 cups demerara or turbinado sugar and 1 cup of water. Let cool before using, and reserve the rest for another use.