Cynar

Cynar is an amaro-style bitter aperitif from Italy. The drink gets its name from the artichoke (Cynara scolymus), one of 13 herbs and plants that make up its composition. Cynar is 16.5% ABV strong, dark brown in color, and has a bittersweet flavor. In 1952, it was introduced in Italy.

This bitter liqueur, which originates from Termoli, was initially introduced in 1952 by Angelo Dalle Molle. It is made by cold infusing 13 herbs and plants, the flavor of which is predominately contributed by artichokes. To get the extract to the appropriate strength of 16.5% ABV, it is then combined with sugar, alcohol, and water.

Cynar is a low-sugar, low-alcohol apéritif that can be drunk on its own or in a variety of drinks to increase appetite. One of these drinks contains soda and cynar (mixed with soda water and lemon or orange slice, or with cola, eggnog, tonic water, milk, or bitter lemon soda). Particularly in Switzerland and Southern Germany, where Cynar and orange juice are fairly common pairings, Europeans frequently mix it with orange juice.

Cynar can work well in cocktails and is sometimes used in place of bitters because of its nuanced bittersweet undertones. It is typically consumed as an aperitif or digestif, especially over ice or blended with soda, orange juice, or tonic.

Origin: Italy