Cynar is the classic Italian artichoke amaro, bottled at 16.5% ABV in a 1-litre bottle. It was created in 1952 by Venetian entrepreneur Angelo Dalle Molle, and the Ricetta Originale is the original recipe, unchanged since then.
It is an infusion of 13 herbs and plants, with artichoke leaf at its heart. The full recipe remains a secret.
In the glass it is dark and bittersweet, with a vegetal greenness of artichoke leaves and fresh herbs, followed by dark cocoa, toffee and caramel, walnut skin and a gentle allspice, with a smooth, rounded finish.
Its low strength and bittersweet balance make it famously versatile, whether as an aperitivo, a digestif or a bartender's secret weapon.
The litre bottle is perfect for the home bar.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Artichoke leaves, fresh herbs and dark cocoa.
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Palate: Bittersweet, with caramel, toffee, walnut and allspice.
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Finish: Smooth and gently bitter.
Specifications
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Producer: Cynar, Italy
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Created: 1952, Angelo Dalle Molle
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Style: Artichoke amaro
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Botanicals: 13 herbs and plants, led by artichoke leaf
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ABV: 16.5% (33 proof)
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Origin: Italy
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Size: 1L
How to Enjoy It
In Italy, Cynar is often enjoyed over ice with soda water and a slice of orange, or mixed with orange juice. It makes a superb Cynar Spritz with prosecco and soda, and it is the star of the Bitter Giuseppe with sweet vermouth and lemon, and the Cin-Cyn, a Negroni variation. Try it with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in a Little Italy, or simply with tonic and a lemon wedge. After dinner, sip it neat or on the rocks as a digestif. Pair it with antipasti, salumi, olives and aged Pecorino. Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cynar taste like artichoke?
Artichoke leaf gives it a gentle vegetal note, balanced by herbs, caramel and cocoa.
How many herbs are in Cynar?
An infusion of 13 herbs and plants, led by artichoke leaf.
How strong is it?
It is bottled at 16.5% ABV.
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