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

Hong Kong’s Italian Dining Scene

Meet the chefs shaping the city’s restaurants, bars and pastry shops.

September 22, 2026

Testaroli: Liguria’s Simplest Comfort Food

How two humble ingredients become a beloved Ligurian classic.

September 22, 2026

Welcome Fall With Pumpkin Pie Pizzelle

These crisp Italian cookies bring pumpkin and warm autumn spices to every bite.

September 22, 2026

This Week in Italian Dining News: New Openings & Negroni Week

Italian restaurants are giving diners something new to look forward to.

September 21, 2026

Avere Le Mani in Pasta: When Italians Get Involved

English puts a finger in every pie. Italian puts both hands into the dough.

September 21, 2026

Meet the Sarti Spritz: The Blush-Pink Sip Dominating Aperitivo Hour

This colorful Italian spritz is made for summer.

September 21, 2026