Scott Suchman for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post
In this definitely-not-traditional hot toddy, the rich molasses notes of black rum (try Cruzan Black Strap or Myers's Original Dark) combine beautifully with Liber’s spiced fig syrup. Note that the mixing technique suggested here, in which you float one half of a Boston shaker inside another that’s full of hot water, helps preserve as much heat as possible — if you don’t have a Boston shaker, you can make this drink in a small metal bowl set over a small pan of simmering water (a makeshift double-boiler).
Active time: 10 mins; Total time: 15 mins
Storage Notes: Once open, Liber’s fig syrup can be refrigerated for up to 4 months.
Where to Buy: Liber and Co.’s syrups can be found at some drink specialty stores (call to confirm) or online.
When you scale a recipe, keep in mind that cooking times and temperatures, pan sizes and seasonings may be affected, so adjust accordingly. Also, amounts listed in the directions will not reflect the changes made to ingredient amounts.
Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of both tins of a Boston shaker.
In a small pot or kettle, bring the water to a rolling boil. Fill a heatproof mug with some of the boiling water to keep the mug warm while you make the drink.
Pour about 1 cup of the boiling water into the smaller tin. Lower the larger tin into the smaller one (it will float in the hot water, but the bottom will be submerged, warming the ingredients). Keep the remaining hot water on the stove over low heat.
In the floating tin, stir together the rum, fig syrup, lemon juice and Angostura bitters until combined and warmed through.
Discard the hot water in the mug, then pour the contents of the shaker tin into the emptied mug. Top with 3 to 4 ounces of the simmering water, float the clove-studded lemon wheel on top, if using, and serve.
From Spirits columnist M. Carrie Allan.
Tested by M. Carrie Allan.
Email questions to the Food Section.
Email questions to the Food Section at food@washpost.com.
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*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than 65g
Saturated Fat: Less than 20g