Barsys
Marigold Fizz
About
Long before the first lamp is lit, you can tell Diwali has arrived by the marigolds. They hang in thick orange and yellow strings over front doors, wind around banisters and pile up in baskets at every flower market in the country. Bright, cheerful and impossible to miss, they’re the festival’s way of saying welcome. The Marigold Fizz says the same thing, in a glass.
This is the lightest drink on the menu, made for sipping slowly while the evening unfolds. Instead of a full measure of spirit, it uses a gentle pour of orange liqueur, which brings warmth, a soft sweetness and a lovely citrus aroma. Lychee joins it with its delicate, floral fruitiness, lemon adds a crisp lift, and a generous top of soda turns everything sparkling and fresh. Served in a large wine glass packed with ice, it looks like a summer spritz and tastes like a celebration.
It’s light enough to enjoy two, elegant enough for the smartest guest list, and especially welcome for anyone who wants to join the toast without a strong drink.
Shaken or Stirred?
Stirred, and only gently. The liqueur and juices go straight over the ice, the soda follows, and a slow turn of the spoon blends everything without losing the sparkle. Shaking would knock the fizz out before the drink ever reached a guest.
What You'll Need
For one Marigold Fizz:
- 25 ml orange liqueur
- 60 ml lychee juice
- 15 ml lemon juice
- Ice Cubes, filled to the top
Glass: Large wine glass
Garnish: Orange wheel and Soda, to top (about 90 ml)
Pro tip: Slide a thin orange wheel down the inside of the glass before you add the ice. Pressed against the side, it shows through the drink like a marigold in a vase and looks far more striking than a slice perched on the rim.
How to Make It
Prep time: 2 minutes
Skill level: Easy
- Fill a large wine glass to the top with ice.
- Add the orange liqueur, lychee juice and lemon juice.
- Top with chilled soda.
- Stir gently once or twice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and serve.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
A light drink is easy to make heavy by accident. A slightly generous pour of orange liqueur is all it takes for the Marigold Fizz to lose its delicate charm. The Barsys 360 keeps that pour exactly at 25 ml, along with precise measures of lychee and lemon, the moment a glass is placed in the centre. Every fizz stays as light, bright and refreshing as it’s meant to be.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys Ai app.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
The beauty of a light cocktail is its restraint, and restraint is the first thing to go when drinks are poured by eye at a busy party. One fizz comes out strong, the next tastes of nothing but juice. Barsys keeps every glass in the same gentle balance, so the drink you promised as “something light” really is, every single time.
Sip Setting
Hand this one out at the door. Guests are still taking off their shoes, admiring the decorations and wishing everyone a happy Diwali, and a tall, glowing glass is the perfect welcome. It also suits a festive brunch, an afternoon family get-together, or anyone who’d like to pace themselves through a long night of celebration.
Garnish Game
The orange wheel does all the work. Tucked against the side of the glass, it glows through the ice and soda like a marigold petal, adding colour and a fresh citrus scent. No other garnish is needed. A drink this light deserves a finish that’s simple and bright.
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FAQs
Is the Marigold Fizz a low-alcohol cocktail?
Yes. It uses a small measure of orange liqueur and no full spirit, so it’s much lighter than a standard cocktail.
How is it different from a spritz?
A classic spritz uses sparkling wine and a bitter aperitif. This fizz uses orange liqueur, lychee and soda for a sweeter, more fragrant drink.
Can I use tonic water instead of soda?
Yes. Tonic adds a slight bitterness that makes the drink feel more grown-up, while soda keeps it clean and fruity.
Why serve it in a wine glass?
A large wine glass holds plenty of ice, keeps the drink colder for longer and shows off its colour and garnish beautifully.
Does it taste strongly of orange?
No. The orange is gentle and warm, while lychee leads with soft, floral sweetness.
Can I use pomegranate juice instead of lychee?
Yes. Pomegranate makes it tarter and deep red, while lychee keeps it pale, golden and floral.
Who is this drink best for?
It’s ideal for guests who prefer light drinks, for daytime gatherings, and for anyone who wants to enjoy a full evening without a heavy cocktail.