Barsys
The Citrus Hearth
About
The Citrus Hearth is a cocktail built to feel like warmth without heaviness. It brings together vodka, amaretto, orange juice, and lemon juice into a balanced, citrus-forward base that’s smooth, familiar, and easy to settle into. What sets it apart is the garnish - a lightly burnt cinnamon stick that adds a smoky, aromatic layer and instantly shifts the mood from bright to cozy.
Vodka keeps the structure clean, allowing the citrus to shine, while amaretto adds just enough roundness to soften the edges. Lemon sharpens the blend, preventing the drink from feeling flat or sweet. Shaken and served over ice in a rocks glass, The Citrus Hearth feels grounded and comforting - the kind of cocktail that works just as well for quiet evenings as it does for intimate gatherings. Simple ingredients, thoughtful balance, and aroma doing half the work.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. The shake brings the citrus and liqueur into clean alignment.
What You'll Need
For one Citrus Hearth Cocktail:
- 1 oz Ketel One Vodka
- 1 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
Optional garnish: Orange peel and burnt cinnamon stick
Pro tip: Lightly toast the cinnamon stick until aromatic - smoke, not flame, is the goal.
How to Make It
Prep time: 3 minutes
Skill level: Easy
- Add vodka, amaretto, orange juice, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel and a lightly burnt cinnamon stick.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is ideal for The Citrus Hearth. Load the vodka and amaretto for precise pours, add citrus, then shake. Barsys keeps the balance steady so the drink stays harmonious and the smoky garnish doesn’t overpower the base.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
When a drink relies on aroma as much as flavor, balance matters. Barsys ensures the base stays clean and consistent, letting the burnt cinnamon elevate the experience rather than dominate it.
Sip Setting
Perfect for cozy nights, small gatherings, or moments when you want a drink that feels warm and calming without being heavy.
Garnish Game
The burnt cinnamon stick does the storytelling here. Pair it with a simple orange peel and let aroma set the mood.
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FAQs
Is this a sweet cocktail?
It’s balanced - citrus-forward with gentle warmth.
Is the cinnamon flavor strong?
No - it’s aromatic rather than spicy.
Can I skip the burnt garnish?
You can, but it changes the experience.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes - batch the base and garnish each serving.
Is this a winter-only drink?
No - it works year-round, especially in the evening.