Kleiner Feigling Fig Liqueur

Kleiner Feigling (German for “Little Coward,” a pun on Feige = fig) is a sweet, playful fig-liqueur made by Waldemar Behn since 1992 in Eckernförde, Germany. 

It is based on a premium vodka (triple-distilled, charcoal-filtered) infused with natural Mediterranean fig flavor. 

Alcohol by volume (ABV) is 20% (40 proof) for the standard figure. 

Flavor-wise, Kleiner Feigling offers ripe fig sweetness, touches of floral and citrus notes, a smooth mouthfeel, light fruit acidity (pear/ apple undertone in some listings), and very minimal harsh alcohol bite.

Part of its charm is ritual and packaging: it’s popular in small 20 mL bottles (“party minis”) used for shots and drinking games. In Germany there is a custom of tapping the cap, turning it upside down, tapping on the table to create bubbles, then drinking. 

Quick Specs

Uses & Serving Suggestions

Kleiner Feigling works well in a variety of settings: as a shot, in dessert cocktails, or to add a sweet/fruit dimension in lighter mixed drinks.

Cocktail Recipes

Here are a few ways to use Kleiner Feigling in cocktails:

1. Fig & Fizz

• 45 ml Kleiner Feigling

• 15 ml fresh lemon juice

• 10 ml simple syrup

• Top with soda water

• Garnish: a fresh fig slice or lemon twist

Method: Shake Feigling, lemon, and syrup with ice; strain into highball glass over ice; top with soda; stir gently.

2. Fig-Vodka Sour

• 45 ml Kleiner Feigling

• 30 ml vodka

• 25 ml fresh lemon juice

• 15 ml sugar syrup

• 1 dash egg white (optional, for texture)

Method: Dry shake (if using egg white) all ingredients; then shake with ice; fine-strain into chilled coupe; garnish with grated lemon zest or a fig.

3. Feigling Old Fashioned Twist

• 45 ml rye whiskey or bourbon

• 15 ml Kleiner Feigling

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel twist, optional fig garnish

Method: Stir whiskey, Feigling, bitters with ice; strain into an old fashioned glass with large ice cube; express the orange peel over the top.

4. Fig Mule

• 30 ml Kleiner Feigling

• 45 ml vodka

• 15 ml lime juice

• Ginger beer to top

Method: Build over ice in copper mug or highball; stir lightly; garnish with lime wheel.