I was looking for something smooth that I could serve neat, over ice, and even use in a cocktail. But most evenings, I’m going for neat pours with a smooth finish. This Vanilla Bean and Fig Infused Brandy is a dream and is impeccably balanced with fresh vanilla beans and sweet figs. The infusion took about 2 weeks because I really wanted a fully flavored Brandy however depending on your preference the time can be adjusted.
For this infusion, you will want to use whole vanilla beans. I purchased mine from a local store here in Maryland but you can find them online or at your local grocery store. I do recommend shopping online to get the best beans for your buck because many grocery stores charge $20 for 2 beans, so definitely shop around to see if you can find a good quality bunch of 10 for about $20. The figs can be fresh or dried; I used dried because figs were not in season at the time.
How to make Vanilla Bean and Fig Infused Brandy
Step 1
Split the vanilla beans to expose the seeds but don’t scrape them. Place the split vanilla beans into your glass jar. Add in the figs then pour in the brandy and shake well. Let the infusion sit for 1 week in a dark place on your countertop or pantry. Shake it once a day. After a week, taste it to see how the flavor is developing. If you think it needs more time let it sit for up to 1 more week.
Step 2
Double strain the brandy through a strainer and cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Serve over ice, chilled, or use in a cocktail. This brandy is flavored and smooth enough to enjoy neat, chilled, or over ice. Enjoy!
Vanilla Bean and Fig Infused Brandy
Description
A vanilla bean and fig infused bandy
Ingredients
- 3 fresh vanilla beans
- 1 (750mL) bottle 100 proof brandy
- 1 cup fresh or dried mission figs, halved
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans to expose the seeds but don’t scrape them. Place the split vanilla beans into your glass jar. Add in the figs then pour in the brandy and shake well. Let the infusion sit for 1 week in a dark place on your countertop or pantry. Shake it once a day. After a week, taste it to see how the flavor is developing. If you think it needs more time let it sit for up to 1 more week.
- Double strain the brandy through a strainer and cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Serve over ice, chilled, or use in a cocktail
I enjoy this chilled and served in a snifter.
Keywords: Vanilla Bean and Fig Infused Brandy
I steeped two 7 oz. bags of dried black mission figs in a magnum of XO brandy for six months. to do this I I split the figs and put them in a brewers bag ( I primarily brew beer) and placed them in a one gallon jar. Using a brewers bag makes clean-up much simpler as far as clean up. The fig infused brandy is fantastic. I am making a second batch and plan to add vanilla beans this time. I found your recipe and thought to ask. How many beans should I use and should I cut back on the amount of figs?