Cynar

Cynar () is an Italian bitter apéritif of the amaro variety. It is made from 13 herbs and plants, predominant among which is the artichoke (Cynara scolymus), from which the drink derives its name. Cynar is dark brown and has a bittersweet flavor, and its strength is 16.5% alc/vol. It was launched in Italy in 1952. A version with 35% ABV, called Cynar 70 Proof, became available in the 2010s.

Cynar is an apéritif (low sugar, low alcohol, meant to stimulate appetite), and can be consumed by itself or mixed with soda water and lemon or orange slice, or with cola, eggnog, tonic water, milk, or bitter lemon soda). Europeans often mix it with orange juice, especially in Switzerland and Southern Germany, where Cynar and orange juice is a popular combination. A variation of the Negroni cocktail uses Cynar in place of Campari, in the same way that a Cynar spritz replaces Aperol in an Aperol spritz. Because of its artichoke component, Cynar is regarded as a digestif as well as an apéritif.