Looking for fun drinks featuring Cynar? Look no further as we’ve compiled a list of 13 best Cynar cocktails that you should add to your repertoire!
You’ve had your Negronis, sipped your Spritzes, and now it’s time to get better acquainted with another one of Italy’s bitter liqueurs.
This artichoke-based Italian bitter drink is having a moment, popping up on cocktail menus near and far.
And for a good reason—it’s herbal and earthy, with a touch of sweetness that makes it incredibly versatile.
Many people compare the taste of Cynar to Campari, but I think it’s a bit more approachable, making it the perfect ingredient for a sophisticated happy hour at home.
And the best thing about it is that you don’t have to be a professional mixologist to make a great Cynar cocktail at home.
So to all of you Cynar newcomers, here are 13 Cynar cocktails that are sure to become your new go-to’s.
#11 is my favorite, and it might be yours too.
1. Cynar Spritz
The Cynar Spritz is the most basic cocktail on this list, but sometimes simplicity is key.
If you’re a fan of Aperol Spritzes, you’ll love this Cynar version.
To make it, you’ll need Cynar, sparkling wine, soda water, and whatever garnish you like.
I like to keep things classic with an orange slice, and the result is refreshing, slightly bitter, and wholly delicious.
It’s an easy-to-make refreshment, but you can step it up a notch by rimming your glasses with sugar before adding the ingredients.
It’s sure to create a buzz at your next happy hour.
In this Cynar twist on the traditional Negroni, Campari and gin are replaced with Cynar.
The vermouth balances out the bitterness of the Cynar, making for a smooth and sophisticated cocktail.
For this recipe, you’ll need freshly squeezed lemon juice and orange bitters in addition to the Cynar and sweet vermouth.
Serve this on an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube and a lemon twist, and you’re good to go.
This type of alcoholic refreshment is perfect for sipping on a warm summer night.
Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients, as they’ll make all the difference in the taste.
Invite guests over, serve them the Bitter Guiseppe, and they will surely be impressed by your bartending skills.
Don’t let the name of this beverage fool you—it’s quite refreshing.
In addition to Cynar, you’ll need bourbon, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters.
The Cynar provides a unique flavor that is complemented by the sweetness of the maraschino and the orange bitters.
This is a stirred cocktail, so remember to use a large ice cube to keep it cold.
Serve in a glass with a lemon or orange peel twist, and enjoy.
I have to say—this is one of my favorite Cynar blends.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy a stiffer drink but still want something with a bit of sweetness.
4. Speak
A nod to the Speakeasy era, this Cynar mix is sure to transport you back in time.
For this nostalgic beverage, you’ll need Cynar, bourbon whiskey, sugar syrup, and some chocolate bitters.
I particularly like the complex flavor that the chocolate bitters add to this drink.
This is a great alcoholic mix for those who want something strong but not too sweet.
Don’t worry so much about mixing the already bitter Cynar with the chocolate bitters—the sugar syrup will help to balance things out.
As with most liquid refreshments on this list, to truly make this your own, you can experiment with different types of bitters.
The key is to find ingredients that complement the Cynar, not compete with it.
Your guests will surely appreciate your attention to detail, and you can make as many variations as you like—the options are endless.
5. Little Italy
A riff on the classic Manhattan, the added Cynar in this recipe gives the drink a unique flavor.
The recipe features Cynar, rye whiskey, and sweet vermouth.
That’s it—that’s three ingredients, but I like to garnish mine with a cherry, but you can use whatever you want.
This drink has a lot of character and depth, perfect for those who enjoy a more potent indulgence.
The warm, woodsy flavor of the rye whiskey pairs perfectly with the Cynar, and the sweet vermouth brings it all together.
This is a great beverage to enjoy on a cold winter night or really any time you’re in the mood for a whiskey-based nightcap.
The names of these liquid refreshments never cease to amaze me.
This Cynar cocktail is no exception—the Queen’s Steeple is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that might just quickly become one of your favorites.
All you need for this recipe is Cynar, Montenegro amaro, Italicus liqueur, and Boker’s bitters.
Now, I know that’s a lot of bitter ingredients, but trust me when I say that they come together to create a smooth and well-rounded nightcap.
The Montenegro amaro provides a sweetness that helps to balance out the Cynar, while the Italicus liqueur adds a floral component that takes this blend to the next level.
7. Rabo De Galo
We take our taste buds now to Brazil for this tasty formula.
Rabo De Galo translates to “rooster’s tail,” which can be taken literally as “cocktail.”
This recipe contains Cynar, cachaça, and simple syrup.
For those of you who haven’t tried cachaça yet, it’s a type of Brazilian rum that is made from sugarcane juice.
It has a unique flavor that really pairs well with the Cynar in this drink.
This is an amazing alcoholic refreshment to enjoy on a hot summer day or really any time you’re in the mood for something restoring and tropical.
I like to garnish mine with a slice of lime and serve in a large shot glass.
This is a reviving hot-weather mix that is perfect for BBQs and picnics.
It’s light, invigorating, and easy to make—precisely what you want in a summertime beverage.
To make this drink, you’ll need bourbon whiskey, lemon, blueberry simple syrup, sage leaves, seltzer, and Cynar.
Although the Cynar here is an optional ingredient, I think it adds depth and complexity to the drink.
The blueberry simple syrup can be prepped ahead.
I like to make a big bottle, so I always have some on hand.
This is like a tall glass of fresh orange juice, but with a twist.
The Long Goodbye is a refreshing and easy-to-make mix that contains Cynar, fresh squeezed orange juice, and mezcal.
All of these come together for a restoring beverage perfect for any time of day.
The Cynar adds a bitterness that helps cut through the sweetness of the orange juice, while the mezcal provides a smoky element that takes a distinctly different direction.
I like to enhance mine with a slice of orange or a lime wedge, but you can use whatever you want.
10. Cynar Toronto
An Old Fashioned usually calls for whiskey, some bitters, and simple syrup.
Well, this Cynar Toronto recipe ups the ante by adding Cynar.
For this, you’ll need rye whiskey or the more fitting Canadian whisky (if you’ve noted the lack of “e,” you know it’s Canadian), Angostura bitters, Cynar, simple syrup, and orange peel.
The round and smooth flavors of the Canadian whisky work perfectly with the Cynar, while the Angostura bitters add a touch of spice.
This is an excellent nightcap to enjoy on a cold winter night or any time you’re in the mood for something solid and comforting.
11. Bitter Cove
Rum is a great spirit to mix with Cynar because it can really help to cut through the bitterness.
This Bitter Cove cocktail is a perfect example of that.
It is made with rum, Cynar, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
In this recipe, the sweetness and tartness of the pineapple juice and the simple syrup help to take the edge off of the Cynar, while the flavors of the Angostura bitters really come through in the end.
I like to garnish this with a slice of pineapple or a sprig of mint.
12. El Chupacabra
This beverage is an excellent cocktail for Halloween, or really any time you’re in the mood for something spooky.
It’s made with tequila, Cynar, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
The tequila serves as a smooth base for the other ingredients, while the Cynar and lemon juice gives it a tart and tangy flavor.
Just remember that this drink can sneak up on you, so be careful not to have too many.
13. Drunk Uncle
Single malt whiskey and Cynar are a match made in heaven.
This mix is proof of that.
It’s made with Islay scotch, Cynar Amano, Martini & Rossi Bianco vermouth and finished off with a grapefruit twist.
The vermouth provides a rich and robust flavor complemented perfectly by the Cynar.
Just try not to have too many of these, or you’ll end up like the uncle this cocktail is named after.
The bottom line
This Italian aperitif provides such a distinctive and complex flavor that it can really elevate any mixed drink.
The woodsy, herbal notes of Cynar might be an acquired taste for some, but I think it’s definitely worth acquiring.
Whether you’re looking for a freshening summer sipper or a strong and comforting winter beverage, there’s a Cynar cocktail for you.
Fun Cynar Cocktails
Looking for fun drinks featuring Cynar? Look no further as we've compiled a list of 13 best Cynar cocktails that you should add to your repertoire!
Ingredients
- Cynar Spritz
- Bitter Guiseppe
- Artichoke Hold
- Speak
- Little Italy
- The Queen's Steeple
- Rabo De Galo
- Blueberry Bourbon Smash
- The Long Goodbye
- Cynar Toronto
- Bitter Cove
- El Chupacabra
- Drunk Uncle
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of Cynar Cocktails.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start mixing your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page.