Get ready to elevate your happy hour game with these 13 refreshing Cynar cocktails! This Italian bitter liqueur, made from artichokes, has been gaining popularity on cocktail menus globally. Its unique flavor profile, featuring notes of earthy herbs and a touch of sweetness, makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient. While some compare its taste to Campari, I find Cynar to be more approachable, perfect for crafting sophisticated drinks at home without requiring extensive mixology skills.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a Cynar newcomer, these 13 recipes will become your new favorites.
Cynar Spritz
While the Cynar Spritz may not be as flashy as some of its fellow cocktails on this list, its simplicity is part of its charm. For fans of Aperol Spritzes, this drink is a must-try. To craft it, you’ll need just four ingredients: Cynar, sparkling wine, soda water, and your preferred garnish. I find that an orange slice adds the perfect touch of classic flair, yielding a refreshing, slightly bitter concoction that’s impossible to resist.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy, consider rimming your glasses with sugar before adding the ingredients – it’s a detail that can elevate this drink from simple to sophisticated. The result is a delightful, easy-to-make refreshment that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Bitter Guiseppe
In a creative spin on the classic Negroni, Cynar takes center stage, swapping out Campari and gin for its distinctive bitter flavor profile. The sweet vermouth expertly balances this boldness, yielding a refined and silky cocktail experience.
To bring this Bitter Guiseppe to life, you’ll need freshly squeezed lemon juice and orange bitters in addition to the Cynar and sweet vermouth.
Pour the concoction into an Old Fashioned glass filled with a generous ice cube and garnish with a lemon twist for a stylish presentation.
This sophisticated sipper is tailor-made for warm summer evenings, when a refreshing drink that’s both complex and alluring is just what you need.
To truly elevate this cocktail, be sure to use only the finest ingredients – it’s the secret to unlocking its full potential.
With these high-quality components in place, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends with your bartending prowess.
Artichoke Hold
Despite its name, this revitalizing cocktail is anything but bland. When combined with bourbon, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters, the Cynar adds an intriguing flavor dimension. The sweetness of the maraschino and the citrus notes from the orange bitters expertly balance out the unique taste provided by the Cynar. As this is a stirred cocktail, be sure to use a large ice cube to keep it chilled. Serve in a glass with a lemon or orange twist garnish and indulge.
I must confess that this blend has earned a special place among my top Cynar creations. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a stronger drink but still crave a hint of sweetness.
Speak
Step into the Prohibition era with this captivating Cynar mix. Combining Cynar, bourbon whiskey, sugar syrup, and chocolate bitters creates a complex yet balanced drink that’s sure to impress. The addition of chocolate bitters adds a rich layer of flavor to this strong yet not overly sweet beverage. To achieve harmony, the sugar syrup helps temper the bitterness of the Cynar and the chocolate bitters.
This versatility allows for experimentation with different types of bitters, as long as they complement the Cynar rather than overpower it. By paying attention to detail and trying out various combinations, you’ll be able to craft unique variations that will delight your guests. The possibilities are endless, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable drinking experience.
Little Italy
With its nod to the iconic Manhattan, this recipe adds an unexpected twist courtesy of Cynar. The resulting flavor profile is nothing short of captivating. By combining Cynar with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, we’re left with a trifecta of tantalizing tastes. To enhance the experience, I opt for a classic cherry garnish, but feel free to get creative with your own preferred adornment.
This potent yet refined cocktail boasts an impressive array of character and depth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a whiskey-based indulgence. The warm, woody essence of the rye whiskey harmonizes beautifully with Cynar’s subtle bitterness, while sweet vermouth provides a delightful balance. Whether you’re sipping on a chilly winter evening or simply seeking a sophisticated nightcap at any time of year, this drink is sure to hit the spot.
The Queen’s Steeple
What’s truly remarkable about these liquid creations is the way their names continue to intrigue me. Take the Queen’s Steeple cocktail, for instance – it’s a delightful and straightforward concoction that may well become your go-to drink. To craft this masterpiece, you’ll need Cynar, Montenegro amaro, Italicus liqueur, and Boker’s bitters. Yes, there’s a medley of bitter ingredients involved, but rest assured that they harmonize to produce a silky and well-rounded evening drink.
The sweetness contributed by the Montenegro amaro expertly counterbalances the Cynar, while the Italicus liqueur adds an enchanting floral dimension that elevates this blend to new heights.
Rabo De Galo
For our next culinary adventure, we’re heading to Brazil, where the flavors are as vibrant as the culture. The ‘Rabo De Galo’ cocktail is a literal translation of ‘rooster’s tail’, but don’t let its quirky name fool you – this drink is a sophisticated blend of Cynar, cachaça, and simple syrup. For those unfamiliar with cachaça, it’s a type of Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice, boasting a unique flavor profile that harmonizes beautifully with the bitter notes of Cynar.
This refreshing concoction is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you crave a tropical escape. I personally like to garnish mine with a slice of lime and serve in a large shot glass, allowing the aromas to fill the air.
Blueberry Bourbon Smash
Imagine a refreshing summer drink that’s perfect for BBQs and picnics. This revitalizing concoction is exactly what you need – light, invigorating, and effortless to create. To craft this delightful beverage, you’ll require bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, blueberry simple syrup, fragrant sage leaves, seltzer water, and a dash of Cynar (although the latter adds an optional layer of depth). The blueberry simple syrup can be prepared in advance, making it a great component to have on hand.
I personally like to make a large batch, ensuring I always have some ready to go.
The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye cocktail is an intriguing blend of flavors, reminiscent of a revitalizing glass of fresh orange juice. This refreshing mix combines Cynar, a bitter herbal liqueur, with freshly squeezed orange juice and mezcal, adding a smoky depth to the drink. The result is a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes that can be enjoyed at any time of day. For an added touch, I like to garnish mine with a slice of orange or lime, but feel free to experiment with your preferred garnish.
Cynar Toronto
An Old Fashioned classic typically consists of whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup. The Cynar Toronto recipe takes this tried-and-true formula to new heights by incorporating the bold flavors of Cynar. To craft this drink, you’ll need rye whiskey or its northern cousin, Canadian whisky, Angostura bitters, Cynar, simple syrup, and a twist of orange peel.
The smooth, rounded character of Canadian whisky complements the herbal notes in Cynar perfectly, while the Angostura bitters add a welcome burst of spice. This comforting concoction makes for an excellent nightcap on a chilly winter evening or whenever you’re in the mood for something satisfying and warming.
Bitter Cove
When pairing rum with Cynar, the spirit’s sweet and spicy characteristics can beautifully balance out the bitter notes. A prime example of this harmonious combination is the Bitter Cove cocktail. By combining rum, Cynar, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and a hint of Angostura bitters, you’ll create a drink that expertly tames the Cynar’s bitterness with the sweetness and tartness of the pineapple and simple syrups.
Meanwhile, the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor that rounds out the entire experience. To finish it off, I recommend garnishing with a slice of pineapple or a sprig of fresh mint for added visual appeal.
El Chupacabra
As the perfect potion for a spooky night in or out, this bewitching beverage is sure to cast its spell. Its unique blend of tequila, Cynar, lemon juice, and brown sugar creates a harmonious balance of smooth and tart flavors. Be cautious not to get too enchanted, as this drink has a knack for sneaking up on you – so pace yourself!
Drunk Uncle
In perfect harmony, single malt whiskey meets Cynar. This sublime combination is a testament to their compatibility.The recipe for success combines Islay scotch with Cynar Amano, Martini & Rossi Bianco vermouth, and finishes with a grapefruit twist. The vermouth’s rich and robust flavors are perfectly balanced by the subtle bitterness of Cynar.Just be cautious not to indulge too much in this delightful mix, lest you end up like its namesake – a charming but perhaps overly enthusiastic uncle.
The bottom line
Cynar’s unique flavor profile is capable of transforming any mixed drink into an exceptional creation. While its woodsy, herbal notes may take some getting used to, the payoff is well worth the effort. This Italian aperitif can be the perfect addition to both refreshing summer cocktails and warm, comforting winter beverages. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to drink or simply want to spice up your cocktail game, Cynar has something for everyone.
In fact, we’ve curated a list of 13 innovative Cynar cocktails that are sure to become fast favorites.
