A brandy milk punch is very easy to make, but capturing the essence of fig? Not so easy. Not gonna lie, it took a few attempts to perfect this recipe!

As self-proclaimed fig lovers, we wanted to find a way to really bring home the fig flavor in this cocktail and quickly discovered it was going to be a bit of a challenge. Matthew, our fearless cocktail conqueror, was up for it.

After some tinkering, Matt concluded the best way to get a figgy flavor would be with an infused simple syrup. Fresh figs don’t really provide a punched up fig flavor, so we opted for dried!

Besides providing a stronger flavor, dried figs also make for a cleaner syrup that isn’t filled with fresh fruit debris. Plus, they’re available year-round. Dried fruit is probably your best bet for most fruit-flavored simple syrups, tbh!

Once the matter of fig-infusion was settled, the cocktail kind of made itself. A good brandy milk punch will be as boozy as it is creamy with a velvety sweetness. This cocktail has all of that but with the essence of fig, dried fruit and baking spices to compliment the brandy. It’s become a quick favorite in our home!

Below you’ll find a recipe for the cocktail as well as the fig simple syrup. The syrup can be used anywhere you’d normally use a simple syrup, and Matt has made several Old Fashioneds with it that were sooo good. Let us know if you try it out!

Fig Simple Syrup

1 cup dried figs, sliced
1 cup pure cane sugar
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon cardamom

Bring ingredients (except vanilla) to a boil, and stir to combine. Lower heat to lowest setting, and add vanilla. Steep 30 minutes. Let cool before using.

Figgy Brandy Milk Punch

Makes 2

2¼ oz brandy
1 oz fig syrup
3 oz whole milk
Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, cover and shake for 30 seconds until the shaker frosts over. Strain into rocks glasses with fresh ice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.