Barsys
The Golden Woodsman
About
The Golden Woodsman is a fresh, citrus-driven twist on the classic whiskey sour family — designed for drinkers who want the depth of bourbon without the heavy, boozy profile. Built on Bulleit Bourbon, the cocktail uses the “double-citrus method”: equal parts orange and lemon juice working together to soften the whiskey’s oakiness while brightening its natural spice. The result is a whisky drink that tastes lively, sunny, and surprisingly refreshing.
Once topped with fiery ginger beer, the drink transforms into a vibrant highball with warmth, lift, and personality. The bourbon provides structure, citrus adds brightness, sugar syrup smooths the edges, and ginger beer ties everything together with a crisp, spicy finish. Served over crushed ice, The Golden Woodsman feels like a summertime cocktail wearing a winter flannel - cozy, bright, and impossible to put down.
Shaken or Stirred? Neither - this recipe is built directly in the glass and topped for a sparkling finish.
What You'll Need
- 2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Sugar Syrup
- Ginger Beer (to top)
Optional Garnish: Orange slice & cinnamon stick
Pro Tip: Use a spicy, high-quality ginger beer - it brings the cocktail to life.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 1 minute
Skill Level: Effortless
- Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
- Build bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup directly in the glass.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Briefly stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine shines with build-in-glass cocktails like this. Load bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into the machine and let it pour a perfectly balanced foundation over crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish - a fast, consistent way to serve multiple highballs without missing the citrus balance that makes this drink work.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
The Golden Woodsman’s balance hinges on citrus ratios - too much lemon makes it sharp, too much orange makes it flabby, and too much syrup makes it heavy. Barsys Cocktail Machine removes the guesswork by dispensing the exact proportions every time, keeping the drink bright, refreshing, and perfectly layered before the ginger beer goes in.
Sip Setting
Ideal for autumn afternoons, holiday gatherings, firepit nights, or warm-weather evenings when you want something bright but still rooted in whiskey. This is a drink that feels outdoorsy, lively, and instantly relaxing.
Garnish Game
Pair the classic orange slice with a fresh cinnamon stick. For a twist, torch the cinnamon briefly to release aroma or add a dehydrated citrus wheel to enhance the drink’s “woodsy” vibe.
You may also like
FAQs
Can I shake this drink?
No need - shaking dulls the ginger beer’s fizz. Build and top is best.
Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Yes - rye gives a spicier, drier version.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes - batch everything except ginger beer. Add it fresh to each glass.
Can I make it sweeter?
Increase sugar syrup or use a sweeter ginger beer.
Why crushed ice?
It keeps the drink cold and lengthens dilution, making it extra refreshing.