The Smokey Fig is a fruity, smoky, tart drink adapted from the Qiyi Guo cocktail created by Sydney’s Maybe Sammy, based on techniques that are easy to use at home. Oolong tea, kiwi, scotch and fig liqueur flavors combine to create rich complexity. The result is a surprisingly unexpected cocktail that seamlessly blends sour, umami, and sweet.
Qiyi Guo was originally developed by bartender Wen Wang. He wanted to recreate the flavors of his Taiwanese roots and pay homage to the island’s abundance of tropical fruits and diverse ingredients. The tea cocktail is Wang’s signature creation, and the use of earthy, sweet oolong tea here pays homage to Taiwan’s tea culture. Oolong tea is truly the backbone of this cocktail, and the ingredients it’s paired with (scotch, kiwi, fig) each play with the aromas found in oolong tea.
Why Smokey Fig Cocktail Works
Fig liqueur is a great ingredient to have in your bar cart. Unlike other berry liqueurs, fig has an earthy depth that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dark spirits, from Scotch to bourbon to aged rum. For a lighter cocktail, he adds half an ounce to a gin and tonic to add fruit flavor. You can find fig liqueur at specialty liquor stores or online at mixfruitful.com. —Lucy Simon
