In honor of Dry January, Dean crafted a scrumptious drink recipe to pair with our subscriber Seasonal Scent of the month, Wild Figs.
When Dean, a Keap subscriber and one half of the duo heading the recently opened Burden of Proof, reached out about stocking Keap candles, we knew that a creative collaboration was in our future.
Burden of Proof is a non-alcoholic bottle shop in South Pasadena that carries a curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits that are all alcohol free. Because, as Dean and Obreanna say, not drinking—for a night or a lifetime—should be just as fun and delicious as the alternative!
Blackberry Fig Smash
This cocktail is whiskey-based with maple syrup for sweetness, a perfect warming combo for these cold, candlelit months.
Black tea is the secret ingredient! It adds complexity and introduces tannins, which balance the sweetness from the figs and blackberries.
INGREDIENTS (SERVES 1):
- 4 fresh blackberries
- 1 fresh fig, sliced (reserve one slice for garnish)
- 1/2 oz maple syrup or simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1.5 oz non-alcoholic whiskey (we like Spiritless Kentucky 74 , Lyre’s American Malt, or Ritual Whiskey )
- 2 oz chilled black tea (we recommend Earl Grey or Darjeeling)
- Ice
- 2 oz sparkling water
- Garnish: Fig slice, optional fresh rosemary sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a shaker, gently muddle the blackberries and fig.
- Add maple syrup, lime juice, and whiskey. Pour in the black tea (steep and cool prior).
- Add a scoop of ice, and shake well (20+ seconds) to combine.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice or a fancy ice cube.
- Add sparkling water to taste.
- Garnish with a fig slice, and a sprig of rosemary for a woodsy touch.
- And of course the final step is to light your Keap candle and enjoy!
A FEW OTHER NOTES:
If you'd like this to be even more fig-forward, you could replace the maple with a homemade fig simple syrup, which is easy to make but does involve the stove.
For New Yorkers in search of non-alcoholic spirits, we recommend checking out Spirited Away in Manhattan or Minus Moonshine in Brooklyn. And of course for our SoCal residents, stop by and shop beverages (and Keap Candles!) at Burden of Proof in South Pasadena.
Speaking of the Pasadena community, our hearts break for all those impacted by the recent wildfires. Burden of Proof is donating all proceeds from the Dodger's Non-Alcoholic Dad Hat to Altadena fire relief efforts.
