Paul Kushner
The Cynar Spritz is earthy, bitter, and surprisingly refreshing. Made with Cynar, a bittersweet Italian liqueur made from artichokes and herbs, this drink gets a bubbly lift from prosecco and a splash of soda water. It’s a little more complex than your average spritz, with herbal notes, a touch of sweetness, and a clean finish. An orange slice adds brightness and balances the deeper flavors. It’s a great pick for slow afternoons, relaxed evenings, or anytime you want something light with a bit of edge. If you’re into bitter-forward drinks, the Cynar Spritz is an easy favorite.
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Tasting Notes
The Cynar Spritz is herbal, earthy, and slightly bitter with a crisp finish. Cynar, an Italian amaro made from artichokes and herbs, brings deep, savory notes with hints of caramel and dried orange peel. Prosecco adds brightness and a soft fizz that balances the bitterness. Soda water stretches the drink and keeps it light and easy to sip. The lemon wedge brightens everything with a pop of citrus, cutting through the deeper notes. It’s well-balanced neither too sweet nor too bitter and makes for a smooth, sessionable drink that works at almost any time of day.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need basic tools for this one: a jigger for measuring and a spoon for stirring. No shaking or muddling required. Serve it in a wine glass or a large rocks glass filled with ice either works, but a wine glass feels more traditional for spritz-style drinks. A citrus knife or peeler will help prep the lemon wedge garnish. If you want to upgrade the look, use a clear glass with a stem and fresh, clean ice. A chilled glass is optional but a nice touch for warmer weather.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cynar
- 3 oz chilled Prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add the Cynar first, then slowly pour in the Prosecco.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently once or twice to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Pro Tips
- Chill all ingredients ahead for best results.
- Use a dry Prosecco to avoid extra sweetness.
- Stir gently to keep the bubbles from going flat.
- Add more soda water if you want a lighter drink.
- Squeeze the lemon wedge before adding it for more citrus.
- Try a grapefruit wedge instead for a twist.
- Use large ice cubes to keep the drink cold longer.
- Serve in a stemmed glass for a classic look.
When to Serve
The Cynar Spritz is great as a low-key aperitif or a daytime drink. It’s a good fit for warm afternoons, early evening hangouts, or casual brunches. The bitterness makes it feel more grown-up than sweeter spritzes, and the light alcohol content means you can have one without feeling weighed down. It pairs well with salty snacks, charcuterie, or anything with citrus or herbs. This is a go-to when you want something refreshing but not sugary, and it’s easy to batch for groups too.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Cynar:
- Cynar (original) – the only version you need.
Prosecco:
- La Marca (widely available and crisp)
- Mionetto Brut (dry and refreshing)
- Riondo Prosecco (light and smooth)
- Zonin Prosecco (budget-friendly and dry)
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cynar
- 3 oz chilled Prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add the Cynar first, then slowly pour in the Prosecco.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently once or twice to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Pour the Prosecco slowly to keep the bubbles from going flat too fast.
- For a drier version, use a dry-style Prosecco and skip the lemon wedge.
- You can also swap soda water for tonic if you want a little extra bitterness.
