Dec 22, 2014 >> The Fig & Walnut Julep at Fig & Olive [VIDEO]
The Holidays: Straight Ahead! But come unarmed to your family’s festivities, and you may have a long night ahead of you of botched carols and bad egg nog. Start the season off right with an inspired cocktail that will surely help all spirits be merry and bright—especially yours. And anytime we’re feeling uninspired, our favorite perch to perk up is in the Gold Coast. Fig & Olive, the glittering jewel of the Happy Hour set is decked out in Holiday cheer this time of year, and we belly up to the bar to learn the how-to on a classic cocktail from their menu that has a very festive slant.
Meet the Fig & Walnut Julep. Their part namesake cocktail mixes the soft, fruity tones of St. Germain, port and muddled black figs with the depth of Bourbon. Yes. It sounds as good as it tastes. And for those of you who can’t find the perfect fig this time of year—isn’t it Figgy pudding season somewhere?!—Fig & Olive recommends pomegranate seeds as an substitute. [Mixologist note: Up the simple syrup in the recipe slightly to balance out the pomegranate tartness].
Learn the Fig & Walnut Julep recipe >>
The next question: what to pair this with? Fig & Olive recommends their Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet featuring prosciutto, gorgonzola dulce, fig, arugula and more on a thin puff pastry. Their tasting notes? The port in the drink is a perfect compliment to the sweetness of the gorgonzola dulce in the tart.
Not quite your speed? The Fig & Olive cocktail paired with their Sicilian-inspired Sea Scallops (say that ten times fast!) for a subtle and delicate course that has the perfect amount of citrus.
Fig & Olive, 104 E. Oak Street, 312.445.0060. Visit FigandOlive.com for more information. Plus, don’t miss Fig & Olive’s White & Gold New Year’s Eve festivities. Details here.