A Fig-forward Old Fashioned riff with a bit of zip from Alba Huerta of Houston’s Julep The jammy sweetness of fresh figs marries very well with the fruit and spice notes in the Madeira and the spiciness of the rye whiskey. While small bar spoons of lime juice and aged vinegar work in the background to cut sweetness and give the drink a nice pop of flavor Muddle one fig (cut in half) in .5 oz Rich Simple Syrup (2:1) Add: 1 oz Rye Whiskey (100 proof and above are best for rye spice) 1 oz Madeira (5 yr Bual; no need for anything with too much age) Barspoon Fresh Lime Juice Barspoon Aged Vinegar (Banyul’s is great if around, but a nice barrel-aged balsamic will also work nicely) Shake with ice and double strain into a chilled double rocks glass with a few ice cubes. Garnish with a fig half and sprig of mint