Cinnamon Fig Latte
There’s no better celebration of a new seasonal than by utilizing in-season ingredients. The Cinnamon Fig Latte is a cozy, warming drink for your cold, foggy mornings. The perfect balance of subtle and strong, this syrup will level up whatever coffee you’re drinking right now. The natural honey-like sweetness of a fig paired with its own nuttiness is only elevated by the warmth of good cinnamon. Why not spice up your coffee routine and give it a try!
My favourite coffee shop in Boston has a seasonal drink called the Cinnamon Fig Latte that might be one of my favourite drinks ever. Unfortunately, because that drink is so seasonal, I can’t get it more than a couple months out of the year. So based on our nostalgic memories and my Mighty Need for an out of season drink, I did my best to recreate the iconic Cinnamon Fig Latte. It will never match the original with all its delicious secrets, but it gets pretty damn close and I can have it whenever I want now.
Dried Figs vs Fresh Figs
While fresh figs always have a place in my heart, I’m a big advocate for dried in the cases of syrups and baked goods. Their lower moisture content allows for a more versatile use. as well as being available all year round.
If you’re like me, then you have an almost impossible time finding fresh figs for more than 2 weeks out of the year. My local grocery store, even the fancy ones, have very limited fruit options besides the staple American grocery isles such as the ever-ripe oranges, apples, and tomatoes. Even when I can find them packaged, it’s a dice roll whether or not they’ll be moldy by the next day.
One day when I’m not a student and finally working my Big Girl Job with my Big Girl Salary, I’ll plant my own Mission Fig trees. But until then, I’ll enjoy this perfectly good substitute that packs all the punch of a fresh fig at a fraction of the price and a fraction of the temperamental nature.
What Are Simple Syrups?
Simple Syrups are one of the things we use all the time but tend not to notice. Basically, it’s liquid flavor. It’s a sugar/water mixture that takes on the flavor of whatever you add to it by reducing it down from a water/sugar mixture to a syrup. It’s incredibly diverse in how you can use it, and has actually been in use since the oldest known cocktail in the 1806.
They’re primarily used for:
London Fogs
Cocktails / mixing drinks
Almost any coffee drink that isn’t black coffee
Flavoring & moistening sponge cakes
Iced teas
Ice cream flavoring
Enhancing sliced fruit
Shelf Stable vs Not Shelf Stable
Sugar is a natural chemical stabilizer that in this case acts as a preservative for the simple syrup. This just means that you won’t have to refrigerate it if you decide to go the shelf stable route. The rule of thumb is a Shelf Stable syrup is 2 Parts Sugar : 1 Part Water.
It’s more sugary, but it takes on more or the flavour that you’re trying to infuse. This option is great if you have limited fridge space, but I’d be careful with how much of it you’re adding to your coffee, cakes, etc because of the added sweetness. It’s all about finding the right balance!
Need Some Coffee Suggestions? Here’s what we’re loving right now!
Choosing a new coffee can be overwhelming, mainly because there are just endless options. If you’re not sure where to start but know you’re tired of the 10 brands on the shelf at the grocery store, we’ve got some suggestions!
The easiest way to get a new bag of good coffee is to go to your favourite coffee shop and buy a bag there. Ask the barista what they like and if you know what kind of roast you like you’ll get yourself to an easy 90% match. If you’re looking for something really unusual, make sure you go to an independent coffee shop that roasts their own beans.
As for some more specific suggestions, these are the beans I’m loving right now!
Tiny Arms Coffee Roasters: Ethopia Goraa - $19
Tiny Arms is run by the nicest couple you’ll ever meet, and they’ve never given me a bad coffee recommendation. By supporting them you’re supporting the growth of an awesome small business and if you really get hooked you can sign up for their subscription service. I’ve also heard the coffee tastes even better when paired with a handmade Tiny Arms Ceramics mug or tumbler!
Roast: Medium-Light
Tasting Notes: Lime Zest, Cantaloupe, Ataulo Mangos (Yellow Mango)
Sundream Coffee: Good Vibes Blend - $16
Like me, this coffee is California grown. It’s my go-to easy drinking coffee and has the perfect flavour to go with just a splash of milk. It seems like no matter how incorrectly I grind or brew these beans, it only ever turns out amazing. It’s not fussy or finnicky, which is perfect for me as I continue trying to up my coffee making game.
Roast: Medium-Light
Tasting Notes: Toasted Coconut, Sugar Cane, Easy Drinking
James x Peter McKinnon: Golden Hour Blend -$20
I found this through watching Peter McKinnon videos on YouTube(shocker), but I ended up really loving this coffee! It was the first time I’d gone out of my way to splurge on some really high-quality beans. Definitely a big push to take the leap of faith was that it was mid-pandemic and all my favourite coffee shops were closed. Because it’s a little more expensive, I tend to save this for special occasions.
Roast: Medium
Tasting Notes: Red berry, sweet cocoa, salted caramel.
Cinnamon Fig Latte
Simone Peironnet | 9/25/2022
prep time: 5 | cook time: 30 | rest time: 10 minutes
total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 Lattes AND 6 oz syrup
Ingredients- Cinnamon Fig Syrup:
- 4 oz Dried Mission Figs
- ½ Cup White or Golden Sugar
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients- Latte:
- 4 oz Cinnamon Fig Syrup
- 2 Portions Coffee or 2 Shots of Espresso
- Desired Amount of Milk, ideally frothed
- Optional, Sprinkle of Cinnamon
Instructions- Cinnamon Fig Syrup:
Roughly chop your dried figs. In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring to a simmer over a high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Remove your figs and cinnamon stick, then return to the heat over a medium heat for another 5-10 minutes, or until to the desired thickness. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Instructions- Latte:
Between your two favourite mugs, divide your coffee, cinnamon fig syrup, and frothed milk. An easy milk frothing hack for those without barista equipment is to microwave your milk in a mason jar for 10 seconds then shaking vigorously with the lid on, or to to heat your milk and then froth using your french press.
Lightly sprinkle cinnamon on top of your lattes and enjoy!
Best served with:
- A Rainy Day
- A Good Book
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