Fig Cocktail + Gruyere Baked Olives | Friday Night Bites

A well engineered cocktail transports you to a different level. When you pair it with a nibble that is simple yet sophisticated, you have hit nirvana.  As many of you know, I am simply obsessed with figs.  This year I discover tiger figs at Trader Joe's and made 40 pint jars of my infamous Balsamic Fig Jam.  I have discovered a passion and appreciation of a great cocktail.  I decided to create a signature fig cocktail to celebrate the beginning of fall, since figs are the quintessential sign fall is around the corner.

A great cocktail deserves the perfectly paired nibble.  These baked olives in a simple cheesy pastry are the most magical bite you have had in a long time.  If you like salty, cheesy, creamy and textural bite - this is yours to devour. 

This cocktail has hints of sweet, herb, fruit and bitter.  They key to perfection is to muddle to unfold all of the flavors of the ingredients then shake to blend perfectly.

FIG COCKTAIL

Serves one 

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. Gin

1 oz. St. Germaine Elderflower Liquor

1 oz. Chadonnay

1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

2 Fresh Figs - (Remove stem and cut in half)

1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary Leaves

In a martini shaker, add the fresh figs and rosemary.  Use a muddler and mash until almost pureed and rosemary is quite bruised.  Add the gin, elderflower liquor, chardonnay and lime juice plus a handful of ice.  Place lid on and shake well.

Pour through a the strainer on the top of the martini shaker into a pretty glass.  Garnish with a rosemary twig and fresh fig.  Enjoy!!

GRUYERE BAKED OLIVES

Click here for the recipe.  Simply substitute gruyere for the cheddar.