Barsys
The Golden Bitter
About
The Golden Bitter is where brightness meets depth. At first glance, it looks soft and inviting - all warm gold tones and gentle foam - but the flavor tells a more layered story. Brandy lays down a smooth, oak-aged base with notes of dried fruit and caramel, giving the drink weight and warmth. Cynar follows with its signature earthy bitterness, adding a dark, almost chocolatey edge that keeps the drink from drifting into simple citrus territory.
Fresh orange juice lifts everything, adding natural sweetness and a sunny, rounded finish that softens Cynar’s bite without hiding it. A small touch of simple syrup brings balance, not sugar. Served straight up in a coupe, The Golden Bitter feels polished and indulgent without being heavy - the kind of cocktail that works just as well before dinner as it does after.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking brings air into the orange juice, creating a light foam and blending the bitter and citrus into a smooth, cohesive sip.
What You'll Need
For one Golden Bitter Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz brandy
- 1.0 oz Cynar
- 0.75 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Orange wheel and star anise
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed orange juice - bottled juice flattens the drink and dulls Cynar’s complexity.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add brandy, Cynar, orange juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled and lightly aerated.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a star anise.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
The Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker Combo is ideal for The Golden Bitter. Load the brandy and Cynar, let the Coaster guide precise pours, then add orange juice and simple syrup before shaking. With bitter and citrus sharing the glass, clean ratios make all the difference.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Cynar-based cocktails can swing too bitter or too sweet very quickly. Barsys keeps the balance locked in, ensuring the orange stays bright, the Cynar stays grounded, and the brandy carries the drink smoothly from start to finish - every single time.
Sip Setting
Perfect for golden hour, pre-dinner drinks, or relaxed evenings when you want something elegant without sharp edges.
Garnish Game
The orange wheel reinforces the drink’s citrus core, while star anise adds quiet spice and aroma. Subtle, intentional, and visually warm.
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FAQs
Is The Golden Bitter very bitter?
No. The orange juice softens the Cynar, keeping the bitterness smooth and approachable.
Is this more of a sour or a digestif?
It sits comfortably in between - bright enough to open the palate, structured enough to linger.
Can I serve this on ice?
You can, but it’s designed to be enjoyed straight up for a cleaner texture.
When is the best time to serve it?
Early evening or aperitivo hours work best.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes. Batch the liquid ingredients and shake individual servings before pouring.