The Cynar Spritz is a delightful cocktail that blends the complex, bittersweet flavors of the Italian artichoke amaro Cynar with the refreshing effervescence of Prosecco and club soda. Invented in 1952, Cynar has a history rooted in traditional Italian "spritz" culture, offering an appealing alternative to sweeter drinks. To make this sophisticated sipper, simply fill a glass with ice, add Cynar, top with Prosecco and club soda, then garnish with a lemon wheel and olives. The blend of botanicals creates a unique, herbaceous taste that's perfect for summer sipping – and if you'd like to learn more about the fascinating story behind this cocktail, keep reading.
History

Cynar was invented in 1952 by a Venetian entrepreneur, who created a unique bitter liqueur based on artichoke and 12 secret botanicals.
The spritz concept originated in 1800s Italy, evolving over time to include various liqueurs, with Cynar Spritz being a modern interpretation.
Cynar's introduction to the cocktail scene coincided with a growing interest in bitters and herbal flavors, providing an alternative to sweeter options like Aperol.
The drink gained popularity in summer cocktail culture, especially as consumers began to favor less sweet and more complex flavor profiles.
Cynar Spritz represents a shift in cocktail preferences, aligning with contemporary trends that embrace bitterness and herbaceous notes in drinks.
Recipe

The Cynar Spritz is a refreshing and complex cocktail that combines the bitterness of the Italian amaro Cynar with the effervescence of Prosecco and the subtle sweetness of club soda. This blend creates a unique and enjoyable drinking experience, perfect for a warm summer day or a casual evening with friends. The Cynar Spritz is a great alternative to traditional cocktails, offering a more sophisticated flavor profile. The inclusion of the fruity and bubbly prosecco spritz adds a delightful twist to the classic amaro cocktail, making it a versatile and refreshing choice for any occasion.
This versatile aperitif can be enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink or a refreshing afternoon sipper.
To prepare the Cynar Spritz, you'll need a few simple ingredients and a bit of attention to detail. The result is a beautifully balanced and visually appealing cocktail that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Cynar
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 1 part club soda
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- 2 olives for garnish
To make the Cynar Spritz, fill a wine glass with ice. Pour the Cynar over the ice, followed by the Prosecco. Top with the club soda and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon wheel and two olives.
When serving the Cynar Spritz, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and take care in the presentation. The drink should be well-chilled and served immediately to maintain its fizz and flavor.
Additionally, the Cynar Spritz pairs well with light appetizers, such as bruschetta or seafood dishes, making it an excellent choice for social gatherings or as a refreshing start to a meal.
Cooking Steps

First, fill a wine glass with ice to keep your Cynar Spritz nicely chilled.
Then, pour in 2 parts Cynar and 3 parts chilled prosecco for a balanced flavor.
Finally, top it off with a splash of club soda to add a refreshing fizz, and garnish with a lemon twist and an orange slice.
Step 1. Fill a Wine Glass With Ice

To begin, fill a large wine glass generously with ice cubes. The ample space of a wine glass provides the perfect vessel for the Cynar Spritz.
Pack the ice cubes tightly to maintain the drink's temperature and ensure a slow, even dilution, preserving the intended flavors. Clear ice cubes can enhance the sophisticated, visually appealing presentation, adding an elegant touch.
Consider using a wine glass with a stem, as it facilitates easy handling while sipping the refreshing cocktail.
With the glass filled and ready, you can now move on to adding the other key ingredients – Cynar liqueur and sparkling wine – to create the perfect Cynar Spritz.
Step 2. Add Cynar

With the wine glass filled with ice, it's time to add the base spirit – Cynar. This artichoke-based amaro has a complex, herbal flavor that's the star of the Cynar Spritz.
Pour in 2 parts Cynar over the chilled ice, allowing its bitterness to shine. The Cynar's robust character will be balanced by the 3 parts of bubbly prosecco you'll add next.
To complete the drink, top it off with a splash of club soda for a light, effervescent finish. The Cynar's bold flavors paired with the sparkling wine and soda create a refreshing and well-rounded cocktail.
Step 3. Add Sparkling Water

After adding the Cynar, the final step is to top off the drink with a splash of sparkling water.
The classic Cynar Spritz ratio calls for 1 part soda water, which complements the 2 parts Cynar and 3 parts prosecco.
Soda water is preferred over tonic water to maintain the drink's herbal and bitter flavor profile without introducing additional sweetness.
The sparkling water enhances the Cynar Spritz's refreshing qualities, making it perfect for warm summer days.
You can adjust the amount of soda water to customize the drink's strength and intensity according to your personal preference.
Step 4. Add a Lemon Twist

To complete your Cynar Spritz, you'll want to add a lively lemon twist. Use a vegetable peeler or knife to cut a thin strip of lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Twist the lemon peel over the glass before placing it in the drink to release the citrus oils, enhancing the aroma and flavor. The lemon garnish not only adds visual appeal but also serves as a refreshing contrast to the drink's bittersweet profile.
For an elevated presentation, consider serving the Cynar Spritz in a wine glass with clear ice and the lemon twist resting elegantly on the rim.
Step 5. Garnish With an Orange Slice

Once you've added the lemon twist to your Cynar Spritz, it's time to further enhance the drink's visual appeal and flavor by garnishing it with a fresh orange slice.
Cut the orange into thin, uniform slices to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Place the orange slice on the rim of the wine glass or float it on top of the drink.
The citrus notes of the orange will complement the herbal and bitter flavors of the Cynar, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
For an extra touch, consider twisting the orange slice slightly before adding it to release more of its fragrant oils.
Final Thoughts

While Cynar Spritz may not be as widely known as some other classic cocktails, its unique and captivating flavor profile makes it a standout choice for those seeking a more sophisticated and refreshing summertime libation.
The blend of Cynar's 13 botanicals, primarily artichoke, creates a complex and bittersweet taste that pairs beautifully with the effervescence of prosecco and a touch of club soda.
Whether garnished with a lemon wheel or a few olives, Cynar Spritz is a versatile Italian amari-based drink of summer that offers a lighter, less sugary alternative to traditional sweet cocktails.
Its rising popularity reflects a growing appreciation for bitter flavors and elevated summertime sipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Cynar Spritz Taste Like?
A Cynar Spritz has a unique and intriguing taste.
It's not overly sweet like some cocktails – instead, it offers a delightful balance of bittersweet, herbal, and slightly fruity flavors.
The artichoke-based Cynar liqueur provides a distinctive bitterness that's softened by the sparkling prosecco and soda water.
It's a refreshing, low-sugar alternative to traditional sweet spritz drinks, with a complex flavor profile that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Is Cynar the Same as Aperol?
No, Cynar and Aperol aren't the same.
They're both Italian amari, but Cynar has a more complex, bittersweet flavor from its artichoke and herb blend, while Aperol is sweeter and orange-based.
Cynar also has a higher alcohol content at 16.5% compared to Aperol's 11%.
What Kind of Alcohol Is Cynar?
Cynar is a type of Italian liqueur called an amaro.
It's made from a blend of 13 different herbs and plants, with artichoke being the key flavor. At 16.5% ABV, it's lower in alcohol than many spirits.
Cynar has a distinct bittersweet taste, with notes of caramel, toffee, and spices, making it quite different from sweeter liqueurs like Aperol.
While it can be enjoyed on its own, Cynar is also a versatile cocktail ingredient.
What Is the Key Ingredient in Cynar?
The key ingredient in Cynar, an Italian amaro, is artichoke! This unique botanical gives Cynar its distinctive earthy, bittersweet flavor.
Cynar is crafted using a blend of 13 different ingredients, with artichoke being the star player. The name "Cynar" even comes from the scientific term for artichoke, "cynara."
Conclusion
The Cynar Spritz is a refreshing and versatile cocktail that's perfect for warm weather. It's easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. The bittersweet flavor of Cynar pairs beautifully with the effervescence of sparkling wine, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, the Cynar Spritz is sure to impress. Give it a try and see why it's become a modern classic!