Around this time every year I start to go a little stir crazy. While most people are embracing cooler temperatures and changing leaves, I’m clinging desperately to every last little bit of summer I can find. I’m a summer girl at heart, but if there’s one part of fall I can really get behind, it’s the figs. My love of figs is borderline obsessive at times, but it’s for good reason. Not only are figs skin-soothing, anti-aging miracle workers, but they also make the perfect addition to a flavor-packed, fizzy fall cocktail that doubles as a skin-clearing elixir.
Loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients like B vitamins, calcium and potassium, figs are nutritional powerhouses. While they have have been shown to do everything from calm stomach troubles to lower blood pressure, it’s thought to be the high amount of Vitamin B5, also known as panthethonic acid, that makes them so amazing for the skin.
Studies have shown that Vitamin B5 causes the body to create more Coenzyme-A, which in turn encourages skin cells to reduce oil production. Less oil means fewer clogged pores and less acne. Due to their high water content, they also help to flush out toxins and waste from the body, keeping skin glowing and radiant.
When combined with fresh, organic apple juice, thyme and raw honey, figs make the perfect autumn cocktail. Since figs are usually only available during the early fall when temperatures are still relatively warm, they pair best with a light, dry champagne and a smidge of raw honey for sweetness.
Sparkling Fig & Honey Cocktail
Yield 2
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 6 figs cut into quarters
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 cup champagne
- 1/2 cup high quality apple cider
- 1 ounce orange liquor
Instructions
- Combine the honey, water and figs in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat and whisk continuously until the honey is melted and the figs begin to soften. Add the thyme and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs from the honey mixture and use a food processor or immersion blender to blend the honey and figs into a smooth syrup.
- In a small pitcher, combine the champagne, apple cider and orange liquor. Add two tablespoons of the fig syrup and stir. Pour into two glasses and garnish with extra thyme and fig slices.
Courses Cocktail
The pictures are so refreshing!!! although i never liked fresh figs, but this looks like i gotta try it
Ooooh so yummy looking and autumnal!
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Sounds amazing! I LOVE dried figs, but I have actually never had a fresh one before. I can’t think of ever even seeing them in the grocery store. Now that I know that they’re in season right now, I’ll have to keep an eye out.
This cocktail so beautiful and sounds absolutely delicious! So inspiring!