2 Autumn Inspired Cocktail Syrups To Up Your Flavor Game

Adding a few new cocktail syrups to your rotation is an easy and impactful way to adjust the seasonality of your menu without dishing out a whole new range of cocktails.

Today, we’re sharing a Fig and Pumpkin syrup that can serve as a base to endlessly riff on this fall. Each uses seasonal produce to create complex syrups that work across a wide range of cocktails. We can’t wait to see how you use these!

Pumpkin/Gourd Syrup

There are plenty of delightful pumpkin syrups out there, but you might find that they don’t work for the specific cocktail vision you have in mind. Many include a range of spices that you might not want in your cocktail. Some pumpkin syrups can also read as artificial and overly sweet. Making your own in this case is ideal as you can use just the ingredients you want to create a greater depth of flavor. One of the best ways to bring a more dynamic depth of flavor is to use house roasted pumpkins.

You can use any type of gourd with a deep flavor, but we like traditional pie pumpkins and butternut or honey nut squashes. Simply roast the gourds until soft, and puree. If your kitchen is making any seasonal squash dishes you can simply snag half a cup of puree. The beauty of this simple recipe is that you can adjust accordingly. If you’re working with a spiced spirit for instance, you may want a hint of sweetness and pumpkin without the additional spices that might crowd the flavors of the spirit.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Pureed Pumpkin or Squash
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Water

Preparation: In a saucepan add all ingredients and bring the mix to a boil before letting it simmer for about 10 minutes. The mixture should thicken and then can be left to cool before storing in a clean airtight container.

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Dried Fig Syrup

Figs are in season through the end of October in many parts of the world, but when making a syrup using dried figs results in a better depth of flavor. Dried figs are already more concentrated in flavor and can add notes that mimic balsamic, caramel, and even hints of nuttiness. Pairing them with brown or turbinado sugar will help increase the caramel notes making it perfect for fall cocktails made with brown spirits like an old fashioned. If you’re looking for even more ideas, add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, or opt for herbal additions like lavender, rosemary, and even sage.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. Dried Figs, Halved
• 1 cup Sugar of Choice
• 1 cup water

Preparation: In a saucepan add the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer until syrup thickens (about 20 minutes). Once temperature reduces strain into a clean container and refrigerate. The softened figs can be saved to use as a garnish.