Barsys
The Black Forest Stir
About
The Black Forest Stir is a slow-sipping, dessert-inspired cocktail that takes its cue from the iconic Black Forest cake. Deep, dark, and comforting, this drink layers coffee liqueur, Foro Vermouth di Torino Rosso, and cherry juice into a richly textured experience that feels indulgent without being overpowering. It’s designed for the late hours of the night - when the lights are low, conversations are quieter, and dessert comes in liquid form.
The vermouth brings velvety sweetness and herbal depth, the cherry adds dark fruit richness, and the coffee liqueur grounds everything with earthy bitterness and roasted warmth. Stirring the cocktail keeps it smooth and cohesive, allowing the flavors to meld into a seamless, luxurious finish. Served over a single cube in a rocks glass and finished with warming spice, The Black Forest Stir feels like a refined nightcap - elegant, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. This preserves the silky texture and lets the layered flavors unfold gently.
What You'll Need
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz Foro Vermouth di Torino Rosso
- 1 oz Cherry Juice
Optional Garnish: Cinnamon stick & coffee beans
Pro Tip: Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened cherry juice to keep the drink rich but not cloying.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 1 minute
Skill Level: Slow and smooth
- Add coffee liqueur, vermouth, and cherry juice to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and coffee beans.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine is ideal for stirred, low-effort cocktails like The Black Forest Stir. Load the coffee liqueur, vermouth, and cherry juice into the machine and let it dispense perfectly, even pour it into your mixing glass. A gentle stir brings everything together, making it easy to serve consistent, polished nightcaps without breaking the flow of the evening.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Dessert cocktails walk a fine line - too sweet and they feel heavy, too bitter and they lose comfort. Barsys 360 cocktail machine ensures perfect proportions every time, keeping The Black Forest Stir balanced, smooth, and luxuriously drinkable.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late at night - after dinner, after dessert, or when the party has quieted into conversation. This is a fireside, final-glass kind of drink.
Garnish Game
A cinnamon stick adds warmth, while coffee beans reinforce the aroma. For an elevated touch, lightly toast the cinnamon stick before garnishing to release spice.
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FAQs
Can I use espresso instead of coffee liqueur?
You can, but the drink will be drier and less dessert-like.
Can I make it sweeter?
Add a splash of simple syrup or use sweetened cherry juice.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes - batch the base and stir individual servings over ice.
Is this a strong cocktail?
It’s rich in flavor but moderate in alcohol - designed for slow sipping.
Can I serve it up instead of over ice?
Yes - strain into a chilled coupe for a sleeker presentation.