Barsys
Sour Monk
About
The Sour Monk is a disciplined kind of sour. Built in the classic fix style and served over crushed ice, this cocktail is designed to calm intensity rather than amplify it. Brandy provides warmth and round fruit depth, while Cynar brings its unmistakable earthy bitterness into the mix. Lemon juice cuts straight through both, keeping the drink focused and refreshing instead of heavy.
Crushed ice does most of the work here. As it melts, the drink opens up, softening the Cynar’s edge and stretching the brandy into something brighter and more approachable. The result is sharp, cold, and quietly complex - a cocktail that rewards slow sipping and patience. It’s structured, grounded, and surprisingly refreshing for something this bitter-forward.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking chills the drink fast and integrates the citrus and syrup before dilution takes over in the glass.
What You'll Need
For one Sour Monk Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Brandy
- 0.75 oz Cynar
- 0.75 oz Lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
Glass: Rocks glass
Garnish: Mint sprig and lemon wedge
Pro Tip: Don’t over-sweeten. The crushed ice will naturally soften the drink as you sip.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add brandy, Cynar, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled.
- Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
The Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker works beautifully for the Sour Monk. Load the brandy and Cynar, let the Coaster guide precise pours, then add lemon juice and simple syrup before shaking. When citrus, bitterness, and dilution all matter this much, accuracy makes the drink feel intentional rather than aggressive.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
With bitter ingredients and crushed ice, small ratio mistakes show fast. Barsys keeps the Cynar restrained and the lemon sharp, so the drink stays balanced from the first sip to the last. The result is a Sour Monk that’s crisp, controlled, and repeatable every time.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed slowly - early evening, outdoor seating, or any moment when you want something bracing but not boozy.
Garnish Game
Mint adds aroma and freshness, while the lemon wedge reinforces the drink’s sharp structure. Keep it clean and unfussy.
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FAQs
What style of cocktail is the Sour Monk?
It’s a fix-style sour, designed to evolve as crushed ice melts.
Is the Sour Monk very bitter?
It starts earthy and sharp, but softens quickly as the ice dilutes.
Can I use a different amaro instead of Cynar?
You can, but Cynar’s vegetal bitterness is key to the drink’s character.
Is this a summer cocktail?
Yes - it’s cold, refreshing, and built for warm-weather sipping.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Batch the liquid ingredients, but always serve over fresh crushed ice.