Cynar 70 cl, 16.5% ABV - Italian Bitter Artichoke Amaro Liqueur

I adore this lovely Italian bitter! Cynar’s unique artichoke flavor adds such a delightful twist to cocktails. I tried using it instead of Aperol in a spritz, and it was absolutely delicious—less sweet, more complex, and totally refreshing. A fantastic alternative for spritz lovers!

The best red bitter. Straight or mixed it’s always delicious.

The daddy of all Italian aperitives ... bitter sweet. Perhaps not for the uncultured palate. Nonetheless a superb bit of tipple ...

Whilst this is a popular aperitif in Italy it is not as common in the UK. It has a more bitter taste than other aperitifs with an after taste of artichokes. It is used that same way as others with a mix of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts aperitif and 1 part soda.

I recently watched the film Rose Island which is the true story of a shortlived micronation in the Adriatic Sea just off the east coast of Italy near Rimini. Set in the swinging 1960s it was a bit like The Boat that Rocked in that this was the story of a set of idealistic individuals who wanted to form a party republic under their own hedonistic ideals. And throughout the film, the drink of choice was something called Cynar. I must admit I had never seen or heard of this before but was intrigued to try it. When I heard it was a bitter liqueur made from artichokes I was not certain but when I tasted it for the first time, with soda, lemon and ice, it was like entering a new and existing world of discovery. I have never tasted anything like this. It is herby and bitter and sweet and distinctive and delicious. I suspect that this will not be to everyone's taste but it is certainly to mine and I love it so much I might just declare a breakaway state and insist that everyone who enters drinks this fantastic concoction. Made from 13 different herbs and owned by the Campari group, this is as authentically Italian as you can get. Amazing stuff. Five stars.

Much better than Aperol for spritz

I have been a Campari drinker for years but this is better. It's my favourite drink at the moment. I drink it with a couple of ice cubes, a slice of orange and a splash of soda (but not too much!). Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or two! A little too bitter for my wife, who prefers punt e mes. I ordered through Amazon because it seems impossible to find in the shops.

Had this on a family trip to Rome. It has an acquired taste which I like. Good price.