Barsys
The Dry Side
About
The Dry Side is not here to be friendly - it’s here to be precise. This is a cocktail built for people who enjoy bitterness, acidity, and restraint working together instead of fighting for attention. Cynar leads with its unmistakable green, earthy bitterness, while dry vermouth adds structure and herbal depth without sweetness. Lemon juice cuts straight through the middle, sharpening the drink and pulling everything into focus.
What makes The Dry Side different is how it’s handled. The lemon juice is stirred, not shaken, preserving clarity and texture instead of clouding the drink. The result is silky, translucent, and deliberate - a cocktail that feels composed rather than expressive. Served straight up in a coupe, The Dry Side is clean, lean, and unapologetically dry. It’s the kind of drink you sip slowly, thinking about why it works instead of being distracted by sugar or garnish.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. Stirring keeps the lemon integrated without aeration, preserving clarity and a smooth, controlled mouthfeel.
What You'll Need
For one Dry Side Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Cynar
- 1.0 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Lemon twist
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, but measure carefully - even a small overpour will push the drink out of balance.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate (technique matters)
- Add Cynar, dry vermouth, and lemon juice to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently until well chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the glass and garnish.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
With bitterness, acid, and botanicals all sharing the spotlight, even small ratio shifts can break the drink. Barsys ensures the Cynar stays assertive, the vermouth stays crisp, and the lemon sharpens instead of dominates - giving you a Dry Side that feels intentional every time.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed before dinner, during quiet evenings, or when you want a cocktail that rewards attention rather than distraction.
Garnish Game
A simple lemon twist is enough. Express it gently to add aroma, then drop it in or discard - this drink doesn’t need decoration.
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FAQs
Is The Dry Side very bitter?
Yes - but cleanly so. The bitterness is balanced by lemon acidity and herbal structure.
Why is the lemon stirred instead of shaken?
Stirring preserves clarity and texture, keeping the drink smooth rather than cloudy.
Is this a low-alcohol cocktail?
Relatively. Cynar and vermouth keep the ABV moderate while delivering full flavor.
When should I serve this cocktail?
It works best as an aperitivo or pre-dinner drink.
Can I batch The Dry Side?
Yes. Batch the ingredients and stir individual servings over ice before serving.