Figenza Fig Vodka

In same batch of samples that I bought with the Tres Leche Triple Cream Liqueur was an interesting light purple colored bottle of Fig Flavored Vodka called Figenza.

Now as you all know I like to infuse vodkas and the thought of trying something new without having to infuse it myself was something I couldn't resist. I went to the Figenza website and here is how they describe their product:

The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secret. Born under the Mediterranean sun, Figenza is a completely natural experience of incomparable fruitfulness married with delicately smooth premium vodka. It has taken nearly 12 years to develop the refined Figenza recipe. The blend of hand selected Mediterranean figs and Europe’s finest vodka has produced the distinct spirit. Today, Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka is one of the best kept secrets in the world. Discover the inspiring sensuality of the Mediterranean soul.

Well, based on that description how can I not go forward with tasting the Figenza. The website has an extensive list of cocktails that you can make at home with the Figenza and since the description mentioned the sensual nature of the Mediterranean soul one such cocktail stood out to me. Here is the one I chose to make for this post:

The Aphrodisiac Margarita
2.5 oz. Figenza Fig Vodka
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
1 oz. Pomegranate Juice (I used the Trop 50 Pomegranate Blueberry Juice)
1/2 oz. Lime Juice

Build over ice and serve on the rocks with a lemon.

It was much tarter than I thought that it would be. I'm actually surprised by that. Between the Figenza which has a light sweet taste and aroma, the Grand Marnier which is very sweet and thick and the Pomegranate Blueberry Juice which wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be I didn't think that the .5oz of Lime Juice would make the cocktail as tart as it was. I'm not complaining. I actually like it. I like how the cocktail's deep purple color matches the color of the bottle. This is a cocktail that I can definitely get behind.

I highly recommend you picking up a bottle of Figenza Fig Flavored Vodka for something different. On their Downloads section of the their website, you can find all their recipes on one PDF sheet plus other goodies. Check it out.

I have some more samples that I purchased on Tuesday that I have left to taste. Look forward to doing so and reporting back to all you gals and guys.

Until The Happy Drinking,
Sisco Vanilla

The Pom-Cosmo

This cocktail recommendation came from my friend Chris C. He suggested that I make and try out a cocktail called the Pom Cosmo. Here is how he says it should be made:

Pom-Cosmo
2 parts Vodka (I perfer Ketel One)
dash of dry vermouth
juice of 1/2 of lime
1/2 packet of splenda
1 part midori
2 parts POM juice,

Pour all into a shaker with ice, shake and serve, garnish with a twist of a lime peel.

The drink has a beautiful deep purple color with a nice tartness to go with it. It is a little dry, crisp but flavorful. If I didn't mention to Marta that there was Midori in the cocktail she would have never guessed. I was worried that the POM juice would be too sweet for the cocktail but found that if it was sweet, the other ingredients balanced it out.

I like how it is a very classical cocktail that leans more towards the DeGroff Cosmopolitan in terms of tartness rather than the Cook Cosmopolitan. It is a cocktail that would definitely be enjoyed by those whose palate leans towards the kinds of flavor found in a standard Martini. For a more in depth description of both versions of the Cosmpolitan, please click on my blogpost The Cosmopolitan: Cook or DeGroff Versions.

I had Marta be the one to enjoy this cocktail and based on what you see in the picture below, the smile on her face says it all.

Thanks Chris for the recommendation. I'll keep this one in my back pocket when I need to impress or help someone impress their date.

Until Then Happy Drinking,
Sisco Vanilla