Today Dishing: Fig and Walnut Julep

Faced with a true summer weekend, a refreshing drink is a must. Although our experience at Fig and Olive disappointed, their Fig and Olive Walnut Julep is a hit.

FIG AND WALNUT JULEP
                                          
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon ( we used Maker's Mark)
.75 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liquor (at $40 a bottle for St. Germain, we opted for Thatcher's
      at $19 a bottle)
.5 ounce lime juice
.25 ounce Taylor Tawney Port
.25 ounce Simple Syrup
2 Black Mission Figs, muddled
3 Mint Leaves
2 Slices of fig, 1/4 inch thick
Grated Walnut
1 Mint Sprig
Ice

DIRECTIONS
Using a 2 piece shaker, combine Black Mission Figs, Port, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice and muddle into a paste. Add 3 fresh mint leaves, bourbon and Elderflower liquor. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 8-10 seconds to allow the ingredients to infuse. Strain the contents over ice in a rocks glass. Quarter and skewer a fig and lay it over the drink. Grate some walnut over the drink and add a mint sprig.

Partner this aperitif with a cheese board to ensure a low-key, relaxing summer afternoon.

This board contains Manchego cheese, Triple Cream French cheese, kalamata and dried black olives, fig jam, flat bread crackers, Packham pears, Marcona almonds, strawberries, crostini and prosciutto. Create your own board using your favorites.
                                                                                   


 
Now grab a chaise, raise your feet, then raise your glass and enjoy.