Two Cups Flour

Fig Simple Syrup
1 Remove stems and slice the fresh figs into quarters.
2 Place figs, sugar and water into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Reduce the heat and allow mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to mash or break up the figs while at a gentle boil. The fig syrup will thicken just enough to coat the back of the spoon but remain quite fluid.
3 Turn off the heat and allow mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. 
5 Carefully spoon or pour the warm mixture through a wire sieve into a bowl or storage container. This will separate the seeds and figs from the liquid. This step can be done twice to remove any additional seeds.
6 Discard the seeds and fig mash. 
7 Stir the vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla bean pod into the warm fig syrup. 
4 Transfer the syrup to a glass or plastic container with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 
Fig French 75 Cocktail
9 Add the gin, fresh lemon juice and the fig simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake the mixture until well chilled.
10 Strain the liquid into a coupe glass or champagne flute. 
11 Top off the fig French 75 cocktail with a pour of chilled French Brut Champagne.
12 Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy!