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Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Cynar

Cynar is an Italian bitter apéritif in the amaro category, made from artichoke leaves and a blend of herbs and plants.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cynar is an Italian bitter apéritif in the amaro category, made from artichoke leaves and a blend of herbs and plants. Introduced in 1952, its name derives from the artichoke genus *Cynara* and it is known for its bittersweet flavour. The drink is sold internationally, including in Canada through the spirits market.

History

Cynar was created in Italy in 1952, following an earlier version developed in the late 1940s. Since 1995, the brand has been owned by the Campari Group.

Ingredients and flavour

The drink is made from artichoke leaves and a mixture of 13 herbs and plants. Sources describe its taste as bittersweet, herbal, and distinctly bitter, with a dark brown colour.

Serving and use

Cynar is commonly served as an apéritif or digestif, either neat or mixed with soda, tonic, orange juice, or in cocktails. Its low standard ABV of 16.5% and herbal profile make it versatile in bar use.

Name and branding

The name Cynar comes from *Cynara scolymus*, the botanical name for artichoke. The artichoke connection is central to the drink’s identity and label design.

Key facts

  • Cynar is an Italian amaro, a type of bitter herbal liqueur or apéritif.
  • Its recipe includes artichoke leaves plus 13 herbs and plants.
  • The drink was launched in 1952 and later came under Campari Group ownership in 1995.
  • It has an alcohol content of 16.5% ABV in its standard bottling.
  • Cynar is commonly described as bittersweet and dark brown in colour.
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Canadian context

Cynar is sold in Canada through the spirits market and is familiar to Canadian bartenders and cocktail drinkers as a versatile amaro.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cynar?
Cynar is an Italian amaro, or bitter herbal liqueur, made with artichoke leaves and other botanicals.
When was Cynar introduced?
Cynar was introduced in 1952.
Who owns Cynar now?
Cynar is owned by the Campari Group.
How strong is Cynar?
The standard version is 16.5% alcohol by volume.
What does Cynar taste like?
It is generally described as bittersweet, herbal, and bitter, with a dark brown appearance.
Is Cynar made only from artichokes?
No. Artichoke leaves are the main identifying ingredient, but the recipe also includes 13 herbs and plants.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynar
    Supports: Type as Italian amaro, ingredients, colour, flavour, and 16.5% ABV.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynar
    Supports: Creation in 1948/1952 context and Campari ownership since 1995.
  3. Liquor.com — https://www.liquor.com/cynar-cocktails-7197562
    Supports: Artichoke ingredient, 13-ingredient recipe, 1952 launch, Campari purchase in 1995, and 16.5% ABV.
  4. Serious Eats — https://www.seriouseats.com/introduction-to-cynar-artichoke-amaro-liquor-digestivo-what-is-cynar
    Supports: Early 1950s origin and common serving as aperitif or digestivo.
  5. Campari Academy — https://www.campariacademy.com/en-us/training/products-category/cynar-guide/
    Supports: Artichoke-based bitter sweet liqueur and 13-plant infusion.