Cynar Liqueur

Campari’s artichoke pride.

Did you know that artichokes have been cultivated since the 4th century BC? They often used ashes to fertilize it and that’s where this iconic artichoke-based Spirit gets its name from: cynara was the Latin word for ash. Cynar was created in Padua in 1952 when Angelo, Amedeo and Mario Dalle Molle experimented with the taste of artichoke leaves. And the famous Liqueur, adored for distinctly sweet as well as bitter flavors was born.

The recipe for Cynar is still a closely guarded secret but we do know this much: an infusion is made with 13 herbs and botanicals, including artichoke. The thing is, however, the Spirit tastes nothing like artichoke. Bittersweet and pungent with complex flavors of caramel, toffee, cinnamon spice, and stewed vegetables, this is one unique Liqueur. It’s usually enjoyed as a digestivo after dinner or in high-end cocktails.