Let’s talk Cynar, a fantastic apéritif that will punch up your cocktail repetoire, and bring some pizzazz to old favorites.
I have to say, the artichoke on the label was off-putting, and for years I passed over buying a bottle of Cynar. I love a good amaro, but the idea of an artichoke flavored drink… ewwww! Thankfully, I got over my fear of the edible thistle and gave it a whirl.
As it turns out, Cynar doesn’t taste anything like an artichoke, despite the fact that it’s a key ingredient in this aperitif. What I found, is that it is an incredibly versatile liqueur that pairs well with many different base spirits, and which can create some amazing cocktails.
For those not familiar with Italian amari, they are a family of herbal liqueurs, made with herbs, spices, and other botanicals. They typically are bitter and sweet. More familiar brands are Campari and Aperol. Traditionally, they are sipped as an aperitif or digestive, often mixed with soda water and a twist. But a good amaro is also a fantastic base ingredient in some amazing drinks. To give you sense of what is possible, below are three Cynar cocktails that you should give try. You won’t be disappointed!
First off, let’s talk about the ‘Artichoke Spaceship‘. A bourbon and Cynar concoction, it’s like a next level whiskey Sidecar. The earthy, bitter-sweet Cynar pairs perfectly with the bourbon, giving this simple recipe a lot of depth and makes for a fun twist on the traditional orange liqueur found in a Sidecar. So jump on onboard this spaceship get ready for lift off!
Artichoke Spaceship
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well and then serve up in a coupe glass with a lemon twist.
- 1.5 ounces of bourbon (I used Belle Meade)
- .75 ounces of Cynar
- .25 ounce of simple syrup
- .75 ounces of fresh lemon juice
Next up, is the Presbyterian’s Revenge. Typically I don’t turn to scotch when I think about making a drink, but thanks to Cynar, scotch is back on the menu! As you will see, and I strongly recommend that you give it a try, Cynar paired with a blended scotch makes for a really good combo and adds a little variety to your cocktail repetoire.
Presbyterian’s Revenge
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, serve on the rocks; topping it off with a splash of club soda and a grapefruit twist.
- 2 ounces of blended scotch (I used Cutty Sark)
- .75 ounces of Cynar
- .25 ounces of fresh lemon juice
- .25 ounces of simple syrup
- dash of orange bitters
Last but not least, let’s talk about my favorite Cynar concoction, the ‘Artichoke Hold‘. Now this is drink fit for a pyrate! Think Italian Mai Tai…
Artichoke Hold
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, serve on the rocks and garnish with a sprig of mint.
- .75 ounces Jamaican rum (I used Smith & Cross, but you could try Appleton Estates or some other funky, aged Jamaican)
- .75 ounces Cynar
- .5 ounce of St. Germain
- .5 ounce of orgeat syrup
- .75 ounces of fresh lime juice
- Dash of Bittermens tiki bitters
P.S.
Try using Cynar as a replacement for bitters in a Manhattan, or replacing the Aperol in a spritz. Or go old school and sip on a Cynar neat after a big meal. Bottom line, don’t fear the artichoke!
Pyrate Bar 