Ginger Vanilla Wolfberry Simple Syrup, plus The Whiskey Fig

Here's the syrup I made for the W-Drink...

Ginger Vanilla Wolfberry Simple Syrup

3 c. water
3 c. white granulated sugar
Lots of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (I used almost an entire cup, but that's probably excessive for most people)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1/4 c. dried goji berries

1. Combine sugar and water in a sauce pan over high heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat; add vanilla bean, ginger, and goji berries, then let steep for 60 minutes.  The goji berries will rehydrate, which is fun.
3. Strain the solids from the syrup, then scrape vanilla innards into it, discarding the pods.
4. Refrigerate and use in soda, tonic, and various cocktails.

Whiskey Fig

2 oz. bourbon (I used some Weller Special Reserve, which was tasty)
1 oz. Oloroso sherry
1 T fig preserves (you could also just infuse some bourbon with fresh or dried figs -- I will try that next)
1 oz. Ginger Vanilla Wolfberry Simple Syrup
1 drop of doTERRA's Bergamot essential oil* (my sister is an advocate, give her some love by buying it from her here)
Fresh or dried fig
Luxardo maraschino cherry

Add the drop of bergamot oil to the glass and twist around to coat.

Muddle simple syrup and fig preserves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, bourbon, and sherry, and shake until cold.

If using fig-infused bourbon rather than the preserves, combine ingredients in the shaker and stir using a bar spoon rather than shaking.

Strain into a tumbler over ice, or serve straight up.  Garnish with the whole fig and a cherry.

*Seriously, only use a drop of oil, or it will overwhelm the drink.  Use orange blossom oil if you must, but the Bergamot is pretty amazing.