Barsys
North Star
About
The North Star cocktail is built for the final pour of the evening - the one you drink when conversation slows and the lights are already low. It leans unapologetically bittersweet, using Campari as its backbone and letting maple syrup do the work of rounding, softening, and warming the edges.
Elderflower liqueur brings a gentle floral lift that keeps the drink from feeling heavy or one-note. The maple syrup adds depth rather than sugariness, giving the cocktail a resinous, almost woodsy sweetness that pairs naturally with Campari’s bitterness. Served straight up in a chilled coupe, North Star is calm, deliberate, and meant to be sipped slowly. It’s not here to wake you up - it’s here to close the loop.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. Stirring preserves clarity and keeps the sweetness controlled, allowing the bitterness to unfold gradually.
What You'll Need
For one North Star Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1.0 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
Glass: Chilled coupe
Garnish: Orange peel and one star anise pod
Pro Tip: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The depth and slight bitterness matter here.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add Campari, elderflower liqueur, and maple syrup to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and fully combined.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel and a single star anise pod.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
The Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is ideal for the North Star cocktail. Load Campari, elderflower liqueur, and maple syrup, let the Coaster guide precise pours, then stir and strain. When sweetness and bitterness need to stay perfectly aligned, accuracy matters.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
With no citrus or dilution to hide behind, balance is everything. Barsys keeps the maple from overpowering the Campari and ensures the elderflower stays a supporting note, not the headline - every time.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late at night, after dinner, or as the final drink when you’re ready to slow down rather than keep going.
Garnish Game
An orange peel adds aromatic lift, while star anise brings quiet spice and visual drama. Keep it minimal - this drink doesn’t need decoration.
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FAQs
What is the North Star cocktail?
The North Star cocktail is a bittersweet digestif made with Campari, elderflower liqueur, and maple syrup.
Is this cocktail sweet?
It’s sweetened, but not sugary. The bitterness of Campari keeps it balanced.
When should I drink a North Star cocktail?
It’s best as a final drink of the evening or after dinner.
Does this replace dessert?
For many people, yes. It has dessert-like warmth without heaviness.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes. Batch the ingredients and stir individual servings over ice before serving.
Is this a strong cocktail?
It’s bold in flavor but smooth and controlled, not aggressive.