Description

This Fig Thyme Shrub Cocktail is a perfect way to celebrate late summer figs and the beginning of fall! A homemade fig and thyme shrub (a tangy, sweet, vinegar-based syrup) is combined with vodka, lime juice, and club soda for a refreshing and unique cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fig Thyme Shrub (Makes enough for approx. 8-10 cocktails):

2 cups diced fresh figs (about 10–12 figs)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
10 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Cocktail (per serving):

Crushed ice (or regular ice cubes)
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 ounces Fig Thyme Shrub (from recipe above)
2 ounces club soda, chilled

Optional Garnishes:

Halved fresh figs
Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1. Make the Fig Thyme Shrub (Prep Ahead – Overnight):

In a medium glass or plastic bowl (do not use metal with vinegar), combine the diced fresh figs, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme sprigs.
Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate and let the mixture sit (steep) overnight (or for at least 8-12 hours) to allow the flavors to infuse.
The next day, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle. Press gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids (figs and thyme).
Seal the jar/bottle. The shrub is now ready to use and can be stored in the refrigerator.

2. Make the Cocktail:

Fill your serving glass with crushed ice (or regular ice cubes).
Add the vodka, fresh lime juice, and 1 1/2 ounces of the prepared Fig Thyme Shrub to the glass.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Top off the drink with the chilled club soda.
Stir gently one more time.
Garnish with halved fresh figs and a fresh sprig of thyme, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Shrub: A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup infused with fruit and herbs. It adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to drinks.
Figs: Use ripe fresh figs like Black Mission, Brown Turkey, or Calimyrna.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works well. You could experiment with white wine vinegar for a slightly different profile.
Steeping Time: Allowing the shrub to steep overnight yields the best flavor infusion.
Shrub Storage: Leftover Fig Thyme Shrub will keep well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Serving the Shrub: Besides cocktails, the shrub is delicious mixed with just sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Vodka Substitute: Gin would also pair nicely with the botanical notes in this drink.