Skip to Content
Cocktails

Cynar Spritz, an Italian Classic

A classic Italian amaro imparts an earthy flavor to this lively spritz. Here is the recipe, plus a quick history of Cynar.

9:00 AM EDT on October 9, 2024

Many have heard of spritzes centered around Aperol, Campari, Select, limoncello — the list (and the spritz obsession) goes on. But not everyone knows about the Cynar Spritz. 

Cynar, pronounced “chee-nar,” is the longstanding, lesser-discussed liqueur that is known for having a unique flavor and makes a great spritz. 

The spirit, more than 70 years old, entered the cocktail scene in Venice in 1952, according to Olivia Cerio, an ambassador for the Italian Spirits Portfolio.

Cynar was crafted by Angelo Dalle Molle, who was both a philanthropist and an “eclectic” entrepreneur. The formula contains 13 botanicals — but one shines above the rest.

“There is one star ingredient and only one revealed,” says Cerio. “The leaves from the stem of an artichoke flower give Cynar its distinctive flavor profile that people know and love so much.”

And, as spritz cocktails continue to gain traction, the Cynar Spritz has become a more popular format to enjoy the earthy liqueur.

“The richness and the bitter notes pair perfectly with the crisp sweetness of Cinzano Prosecco, creating a delightful and harmonious cocktail,” says Cerio.

Cynar shares its recipe with Appetito for those hoping to imbibe in the perfect fall spritz at home.

Cynar Spritz

Cynar Spritz

Recipe by Cynar
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 3 parts Cinzano Prosecco

  • 2 2 parts Cynar

  • A splash of soda

  • 1 Slice 1 orange

Directions

  • In a wine glass full of ice combine 3 parts of Cinzano Prosecco followed by 2 parts Cynar.
  • Add 1 part or a splash of soda water.
  • Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Carne da Macello: When Italians Turn People into Meat

Italian gives human expendability a distinctly culinary form.

September 14, 2026

Appetito Travels: An Expert’s Guide to Bologna, Italy

Spend three days exploring the food, restaurants and culinary traditions of Bologna and nearby cities.

September 14, 2026

Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana on Competitions

Our EIC speaks with Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana ahead of the 2026 Top 50 Pizza Worldwide competition in Naples.

September 14, 2026

Mondays With Michele: Where the Week Begins with Italian Flare

Michele Sessa introduces her new column "Mondays with Michele" that will feature Italian recipes to set the tone for the week.

September 14, 2026

Sunday Shop: NYFW Bag-Worthy Beauty Products

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

September 13, 2026

I Tried Giadzy’s Gluten-Free Pasta and Even My Teenager Loved It

This Italian-made pasta passed the ultimate test at my dinner table.

September 12, 2026