Are you looking to add more highball liqueurs to your collection? Take a look at Cynar! This popular Italian bitter liqueur (amaro) is gaining traction in American mixology for its Cynar Cocktails. Why? Because, it offers the fascinating aromatic flavors of caramel, mint, and toffee.
Most people prefer their Cynar served on rocks or added with cocktails like a Negroni or spritz.
Nevertheless, let’s jump into the details and make some cocktails; shall we?
About Cynar
Prepared with artichoke leaves, Cynar is a bitter Italian liqueur that includes 13 other herbs and spices. The name comes from the scientific word for artichoke (Cynara), and the logo of the brand features a brilliant green artichoke. Furthermore, this drink is considered Italian amaro, or bitter, from Italy (amaro meaning “small bitter” in Italian).
Cynar falls midway in the middle of the Amari flavor spectrum, ranging from bitter to sweet.
An entrepreneur from Venice, Italy, invented Cynar in 1952. Gruppo Campari, the brand that has been selling Campari since 1995, purchased Cynar and manufactured and distributed since then.
How Different Is Cynar From Other Liqueurs?
With hints of caramel, cinnamon, toffee, and bitter herbal spices, Cynar has a bittersweet after-taste. Though Cynar is not as sweet as Aperol, it is quite sweeter than other Amaris. In contrast, its delicate taste makes the drink very easy to consume. In addition, you can easily find Cynar in the market.
Caramel flavored Amari is similar to Averna and Meletti and comes in dark brown color.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Cynar?
Surprisingly Cynar also has a low alcohol content: 33 proof (16.5 percent ABV). It has an extremely low alcohol percentage of 16.5 percent ABV (alcohol by volume). Therefore, Cynar is a low-level Amari when compared to other Amaris. Campari, for example, has a 24 percent ABV, Aperol has the lowest alcohol content at 11 percent ABV, and Fernet-Branca has a 40 to 45 percent ABV (the same level as rum, vodka, whiskey, and gin).
Is There a Cynar Alternative?
Amaro Averna, Meletti, or Amaro Nonino are all good choices. They’re relatively the same, but the flavors aren’t identical.
Why Do We Prefer Cynar for Cynar Cocktails?
Cynar has a complex herbal flavor, and we’re always looking for new Amari to add to our collection! Undoubtedly! it’s a fantastic liqueur with modest alcohol content. It’s delicious in both spritz or soda forms. Even better, try one of the Cynar cocktails listed below and continue reading for a Cynar Negroni recipe.
How Much Does a Cynar Bottle Cost?
In comparison to other liquors, Cynar is not that expensive. For example, a regular 750 ml bottle costs only $20.
The Cocktail for Every Occasion
You can enjoy Cynar straight on ice or add life to the drink by blending it with different cocktails. Furthermore, if you can’t think of any quick recipe, simply mix some Cynar with soda water to create a pseudo spritzer. Then, follow the below recipe to surprise your guests with some refreshing Cynar Cocktail.
Cynar Negroni; The Recipe!
Cynar Negroni
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Cynar
- 1 ounce Gin
- 1 ounce Red Vermouth Semi-Sweet or Sweet
- Ice
- Lemon Peel or Mint For garnishing
Instructions
- Mix the sweet vermouth, Cynar, and gin in
- Now, fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and sit continuously
- n a lowball glass, add some ice and strain the drink through a sieve.
- Cut a lemon slice and squeeze some into the drink. Also, peel one strip of the lemon and place it on top of the drink for garnish.
Bonus Recipe: Presbyterian’s Revenge
This one-two punch of Scotch and Cynar is softened up with lemon and a huge twist of grapefruit, making it one of our favorite drinks ever. It only requires four ingredients shaken together, hence it is super easy to make.
Instructions: Combine 2 ounces blended Scotch (we chose Cutty Sark Prohibition), 34 ounces Cynar, 14 ounces lemon juice, and 14 ounces simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice (equal parts of hot water and sugar, dissolved). If you have orange zest, add some. Shake aggressively, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Finally, add 12 ounces club soda and garnish with large grapefruit, squeeze a lemon over the top.
We hope you loved learning more about Cynar Cocktails, give any of the above recipes a try and I bet you will want to have more of it. Let us know about your experience with Cynar Cocktails in the comments section below.
I am a yogi with a smoldering passion for nutrition and healthy living. I have been a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach for over 11 years and now I want to help you. My mission is to inspire as many people as I can to expand their awareness and broaden their horizons by giving a voice to the choices that create abundant, radiant health. Here I share deliciously simple plant-based recipes, nutrition resources, detox tips, and a glimpse into my whole lifestyle.
