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

Campari Hosting Campari Spritz Square in Nolita this Weekend

Reservations have been available on a rolling basis and a limited number of walk-in spots are also available.

August 13, 2026

Lolita’s Gelato: Italian Gelato in Santorini, Greece

A tiny gelateria in Oia became much more than a place to stop for something sweet.

August 13, 2026

Borgo Santo Pietro and the Rise of Luxury Borgos in Italy

Italy’s historic villages are giving travelers a new way to experience the country.

August 13, 2026

Nonna’s Zuppa dell’Orto: Italian Summer Vegetable Soup

Inspired by the way Nonna cooked, this comforting summer soup celebrates the beauty of simple, seasonal cooking.

August 13, 2026

How to Make Danielle Caminiti’s Savory Pesto French Toast

Fresh from her appearance on Food Network's "100 Cooks," Danielle Caminiti shares her recipe for a savory French toast boosted by pesto.

August 13, 2026

The Only Dish I Know How to Cook: Pasta Frittata

One summer outside Bologna turned leftover spaghetti into the one dish she never forgot how to make.

August 12, 2026