Harvest Nights- Charred Rosemary and Fig Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail

First, let's address this title. "Harvest Nights" sounds pretty sexy, right? Yes, well, the drink deserves it. It's a darn tasty one, my friends, and it looks really impressive to make, as well. Sexiness also has quite a lot to do with the science and nature behind the making of this cocktail. We love a cocktail with a good story behind it, and wow- this one is practically Shakespearean. Watch the video below for the full story!

We ask that you be safe with this one. Like, don't serve it to blind dates you only feel so-so about, or you will definitely send the wrong message. This drinks sends a "I am trying to impress you because I like you and want a second date at PF Changs with dessert and some hanky panky on the menu kind of vibe." You've been warned.

And, maybe a tiny bit more importantly, I'd like to warn you about fire and alcohol. They are a combo to be careful with. Please, do not try to light your drink on fire. Please, do not have any spilled alcohol on your hands when you go to light the match. Take practical precautions to ensure you light only the rosemary stick on fire, ok? Because I like you. And your blind date probably does, too. And no one wants to tell a "how we met" story at their wedding that ends in the Emergency Room.

The long story on how to make this cocktail and all about the "garden to glass" story of the cocktail is in the video below. You can skip ahead to the recipe if you're in a hurry, but I do highly recommend watching this video "how to" because Venise and I worked hard to make it and we love sharing these with you!

Farmer Venise drops some seriously interesting knowledge about figs (did you know that what you're eating is NOT a fruit?) and the nature of their pollination. Spoiler alert, it involves mating. It's a beautifully tragic and sexy little tale, and now we've come full circle back to this sexy recipe title!

The video also has several sound track additions and adorable cameos from the ever-clinging son/fifth limb of mine, Hayes. He loves to help make cocktails, what can I say?

We also ask that you please share this Garden to Glass cocktail video! Let people know how interesting and complex the ingredients we take for granted really are!

Harvest nights- Charred Rosemary and Fig Bourbon cocktail

• 1.5 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce cointreau
• 1 ounce of cinnamon-fig shrub
• Charred rosemary sprig
• Squeeze of lemon

In a mixing glass, stir together bourbon and cointreau and fig shrub. Add ice, and stir again until the cocktail is chilled. Strain the cocktail into a fresh glass, and add a squeeze of the lemon wedge. Then set the end of the rosemary stick aflame, blow it out, and place the opposite (dry) end of the rosemary sprig into the drink like a straw. Place a cloche or glass bowl over the cup to capture the rosemary smoke so it enters the drink. After 30 seconds lift the cloche and enjoy.

Recipe for the fig- cinnamon shrub:

First combine equal parts dried figs, sugar, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add in a couple of cinnamon sticks. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Next add all ingredients to a glass mason jar and secure the lid. Refrigerate, and check flavor daily until depth of fruit and spice flavor is reached. You may want to remove the cinnamon sticks before you remove the dried figs. After flavor depth is reached, remove all large pieces and strain liquid if necessary so that only the syrup remains. Store, refrigerated, for up to one year.

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