If there was ever a week that deserved a Friday afternoon cocktail, it’s this one…and ladies and gentlemen, do I have a cocktail for you, today?!

I was looking to mix up a traditional international cocktail today, something like a Pimm’s Cup from Britain (not to be confused with Lil’ Jon’s Pimp Cup).

But, I soon realized, I have no Pimm’s No. 1 cup to make such a drink with. So then I thumbed through my Employee’s Only cocktail book and saw something that caught my eye.

Called the Mediterra, this is a vodka cocktail that combines mediterranean flavors such as lemon, honey, and a fig puree. Sounds great, right? You know me though, I don’t like going strictly by the book. So I took out a jar of the Celeste Fig and Lavender marmalade I picked up from Confituras here at the Downtown Austin farmer’s market (If you don’t know about this stuff read up on it from my post on the Kitchn last week) and used it in place of the fig puree.

The recipe also called for a honey syrup, but I didn’t want to whip up a whole batch – just enough for a cocktail or two. So I took out a jar of raw honey from my cupboard put about two spoonfuls in an espresso cup and filled the rest of the cup with water (leaving some room at the top).

I then put that in the microwave for about 45 seconds and watched to make sure it didn’t boil over. Once done, just stir up to make sure everything is good and mixed, then Boom! Raw Honey syrup for your cocktail.

So with our ingredients ready, let’s get to our happy hour.

Mediterra 

adapted from Speakeasy

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka (I used Austin’s own Tito’s)

1 oz of raw honey syrup (from above)

3/4 oz (about a big spoonful) Confituras Celeste Fig and Lavender marmalade (another fig jam will do, but it won’t be as yum)

1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions:

I’ve been a little too busy for my own good lately, so we’re going for easy here folks. Add all the ingredients to your shaker, fill with ice and whip it back and forth like Willow Smith.

Strain, and then serve. This concoction is dangerously good, and the jam makes it something extra special.

Add more vodka if you think it’s too sweet, but for me, this cocktail is just right. TGIF!

Oh, and if you’re wondering what I was jamming to while sipping this, here ya go…”What are we dooooing?”