Cynar is an artichoke based bittersweet liqueur known for its versatility and distinctive flavour; its taste is enriched by an infusion of 13 herbs and plants. The name of the drink derives from Cynar scolymus, the botanical name for artichoke, as artichoke leaves lend the distinctive flavour.

The secret recipe, which has remained the same since its creation, is based on some of the natural substances found in the artichokes, including ‘cynarine’.



Created by Angelo Dalle Molle, a Venetian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Cynar was launched in Italy in 1952. Since then, the brand has grown and is now distributed internationally.

Cynar became popular in Italy thanks to the first ads (during the Italian “Carosello”) performed by the famous actor, Ernesto Calindri and the claim “Cynar, against the attrition of modern life”.



Thanks to its refreshing and herbal bittersweet features and its moderate abv (16,5%), Cynar is an ideal pre or post dinner drink, and a bartender favorite to create “pungent” and original cocktails.

Cynar Ricetta Originale is a distinctive Italian amaro built around an unlikely but compelling ingredient: artichoke leaves. They are macerated and infused in neutral spirit alongside 12 additional herbs and plants, creating a proprietary 13-botanical recipe that balances herbal bitterness with natural sweetness.

Bottled at 16.5% ABV, this is the classic, lower-proof expression of Cynar rather than the more powerful Cynar 70. Its moderate strength and dark brown color place the focus on the liqueur’s bittersweet botanical character, making it an approachable introduction to amaro as well as a versatile staple for enthusiasts. “Ricetta Originale,” or “Original Recipe,” identifies the familiar standard bottling, offered here in a generous one-liter format.

Cynar’s roots stretch back to mid-century Italy, and Gruppo Campari has owned, produced, and distributed the brand since 1995. Although artichoke gives the liqueur its name and identity—the label references Cynara scolymus—the complete formula remains proprietary. That combination of a recognizable central ingredient and a closely guarded supporting blend is part of what has made Cynar such an individual presence within the Italian bitter liqueur tradition.

Enjoy Cynar simply over ice, where its bittersweet profile can take center stage, or lengthen it with soda or tonic and garnish with an orange slice for an easy apéritif. Its relatively gentle proof also makes it a useful option when a drink calls for herbal depth and measured bitterness without the intensity of a higher-proof spirit.