20 best Cynar cocktails

Created in 1949, Cynar the Italian aperitif is flavoured with artichoke leaves (Cynara scolymus), from which the drink derives its name and 12 other botanicals. It's distinctive bittersweet flavour works brilliantly in cocktails, as demonstrated by the 20 best Cynar cocktails we've from the 50 plus cocktails on Difford's Guide containing Cynar.

100-year-old-cigar
With: Absinthe, aged dark rum, Bénédictine D.O.M, Cynar, single malt whisky and aromatic bitters.
We say: Stirred down and boozy, so suited to late night sipping. This cocktail has broader appeal when served on-the-rocks in an old fashioned glass, either way it is cigar-like and suits being accompanied by one.

Sin Cyn cocktail
With: Single malt whisky, Cynar and sweet vermouth.
We say: A single malt whisky laced twist on a Boulevardier with Cynar replacing the familiar Italian red bitter liqueur.

Bensonhurst
With: Rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth and Cynar.
We say: This riff on a Brooklyn is one of many to emerge since 2006 but is one of the more enduring

Bitter Giuseppe
With: Lemon peel, Cynar, well-aged sweet vermouth, lemon juice and orange bitters.
We say: It's bitter Giuseppe, best you enjoy this as an aperitivo.

Bubo Bubo
With: Rye whiskey, Cynar, amaro and honey syrup.
We say: Bittersweet and whisky-laced but smoothed and mellowed by honeyed richness.

Ce Soir (This Evening)
With: Cognac, Cynar, Yellow Chartreuse, orange bitters, aromatic bitters and chilled water.
We say: Brandy based, bittersweet and herbal. A good after-dinner digestif.

Easy Speak
With: Bourbon, Cynar, sugar syrup and chocolate bitters.
We say: Don't worry if you don't have any chocolate bitters, the drink has enough complexity without.

Jeez Louise
With: Amaro, triple sec, Cynar, lime juice and soda water
We say: Bittersweet with zesty citrus and subtle carbonation lifting and enlivening deeper rooty and herbal notes.

Holy Joe cocktail
With: Irish whiskey, Rosso vermouth, brandy liqueur and Cynar.
We say: An Irish whiskey-based bittersweet aperitif cocktail that works equally well as a nightcap.

Little Italy
With: Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Cynar.
We say: This rye whiskey-based Manhattan-like bittersweet cocktail makes for a great aperitivo.

Mezcal Martinez
With: Mezcal, sweet vermouth, Cynar, maraschino liqueur and cocoa bitters.
We say: Bold flavours combine harmoniously in this characterful riff on a classic Martinez.

Midnight Marauder
With: Mezcal, Bonal aperitif, Cynar and mole bitters.
We say: A bittersweet after-dinner digestif with a smoky hint of mezcal.

Oakenshield
With: Scotch whisky, Cynar, walnut liquer and saline solution.
We say: Bittersweet, herbal and subtly nutty with delicate notes of smoky whisky. A tasty late-night sipper.

The Queen's Steeple
With: Amaro, Cynar, roslio di bergamotto liqueur and Boker's bitters.
We say: Amaro dominates this bittersweet delicately orangey aperitif cocktail.

Cin-Cyn
With: Gin, Cynar and sweet vermouth.
We say: A slightly sweeter, less bitter, artichoke-influenced riff on a classic Negroni.

Death Star
With: Pisco, Strega, Cynar and grapefruit bitters
We say: This equal parts stirred down cocktail is either a boozy aperitif or a bittersweet digestif come nightcap. Whatever classification, it's tasty.

Five Keys
With: Bourbon, rosso vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Cynar.
We say: A bourbon-laced, spirit-forward after dinner digestive.

Game Set Match
With: Bourbon, aged sweet vermouth, Cynar, aromatic bitters and orange bitters
We say:A Sweet Manhattan with Cynar and orange bitters. What's not to like?

Rabo-de-Galo
With: Cahaça, sweet vermouth, Cynar and hopped grapefruit bitters
We say: The bittersweet herbal notes from the vermouth and Cynar combine harmoniously with the cahaça.

Lavarello
With: Cahaça, aperol aperitivo, Cynar and chocolate bitters
We say: A riff on the Rabo- Del Galo with bittersweet aperitivo in place of sweet vermouth.