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I am a big fan of cynar, so I was excited to come across the Bitter Giuseppe. I think the version with 1/4 oz Lemon juice and 6 dashes of orange bitters (I use Luxardo) is perfect.

I have also created a Smoky Giuseppe which I think is even better. I think Cynar 70 and mezcal work well together.

Smoky Giuseppe

2oz Cynar 70
1oz Dolin Vermouth Rouge
1/4oz Mezcal
1/2oz Apricot Brandy
1/4oz Cherry Heering
1/4oz lemon juice
6 dashes Orange bitters

I made this with Cynar 70. Surprisingly sweet with a long bitter finish. Four stars.

An oddity of a stirred drink yet quite pleasant, tartness does tone down the vermouth and lets cynar take the main stage.

I had high hopes for this cocktail, which I made with Cynar 70 proof. However, I found it too tart and citrusy. Will try tuning down bitters next time. I only have Angostura Orange Bitters, that I am not too fond of. I wonder if more premium bitters would have made a better cocktail.

Could you sub Antica for say Dolin Rouge or another Rosso style Vermouth? Anitica contains gelatine (V). Love Cynar.

As a variation, and being in the mood for gin, I bumped everything back by a third and added 40ml of gin, making a …cin-cyn Giuseppe?

I’m a fan of Cynar, even more so after trying this! I made it as a half as wasn’t sure - but quickly wished more! Agreed re the underlying sweetness. And the orange bitters and carpano go beautifully. Will definitely be making again.

omg this is delicious. it's tart for sure, but there is an underlying sweetness and something about it is light and refreshing, despite its color