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

Roscioli’s Cacio e Pepe: The Dish You Can Now Make at Home

The restaurant has perfected its delivery of the dish over decades since its original location’s opening in the 1970s.

August 20, 2026

Sa Pompìa: The Rare Citrus Preserving Sardinia’s Culinary Identity

For generations, Sardinian cooks have transformed this bitter fruit into a treasured traditional sweet.

August 20, 2026

Inside AMMAZZA!: Chef Hillary Sterling of Ci Siamo

Chef Hillary Sterling talks vegetables, the childhood memories behind AMMAZZA! and why curiosity remains central to the way she cooks and leads.

August 20, 2026

The E-Bike Road to Parmigiano Reggiano

A morning bike ride through the countryside around Castelvetro di Modena offers a closer look at the food traditions of Emilia-Romagna.

August 19, 2026

How Orecchiette Tells the Story of Puglia

A journey through Puglia reveals the story behind the region’s most famous pasta.

August 19, 2026

Lello Arpaia Set the Table for Italian Fine Dining in New York

From Delmonico’s to La Tavernetta, Lello, Scarlatti, and Fiorini, Raffaele “Lello” Arpaia gave Italian dining in New York its polish and its swagger.

August 19, 2026