In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, bringing the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool before straining.

While the thyme syrup cools, juice 1 fresh lemon, ensuring to squeeze until you obtain approximately 1 oz of juice. Use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any seeds.

In a cocktail shaker or a clean jar, add 2 tablespoons of fig jam, 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of the lemon juice you just prepared, and 1 oz of the cooled thyme syrup. Stir or shake vigorously until well combined.

Prepare two glasses filled with clear ice. Carefully strain the fig and gin mixture over the ice.

Top each glass with 3 oz of sparkling water, pouring gently to avoid losing the fizz. Give each glass a light stir.

Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh thyme and a slice of fig, if available. Serve chilled.