Cold Weather Spirits
Cocktails for those long, winter nights
Absolute access all of the time is overrated. Awaiting what’s fresh and relishing that moment is one of our Midwest treasures. There’s nothing quite like t...
Figs often remind one of a European winter holiday. Utilizing an at-home infusion technique and a locally made bitter brand, we can bring the Old World to Columbus, especially when we add the triumphantly complex OYO Michelone Reserve Bourbon Whiskey to the mix. To make this Manhattan-inspired, spirituous sipper, we dip into the aforementioned lands across the sea to add a few spirit choices that enhance the flavor profile, and the time of year. The “Fortified Fig Manhattan” satisfies.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Fig Infused OYO Michelone Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
- ¾ ounce Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
- ½ ounce St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
- 3-4 drops Bitter Wife Cocoa Berry Fig Bitters
- 1 dropper full House Made Cigar Tincture**
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass and stir thoroughly with ice. Using a julep strainer pour stirred ingredients into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with fig slices and/or your choice of spices and herbs.
*Fig Infused OYO Michelone Reserve Bourbon
In a jar or sealable glass container add 6 to 8 dried figs, sliced. Fill container with bourbon. Allow infusing for 48–72 hours, though longer is fine. Strain out figs and particles from bourbon using a double strain (tea strainer) or towel. If time is of the essence, 4–5 slices of fig can be muddled per cocktail.
**House Made Cigar Tincture
In a jar or sealable glass container, add a high-proof neutral spirit (100 proof, if available). A mason jar is perfectly fine as a tincture is used more like a bitter and a little goes a long way. Add a heavy ratio of a tobacco of your choice. A sweeter cigar tobacco works well here. Hint: Adding a bit of heat at the onset helps fuse these flavors, even if just on the stovetop for 5 minutes before adding to the jar. Utilizing a sous vide machine makes this a one-hour process and truly mates the flavors. Allow to marinate in the jar for 48–72 hours otherwise.
Editor’s Note: All of the spirits listed here can be found at Weiland’s Market, or Giant Eagle Market District. As always, call ahead to make sure they have it in stock.
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