Cynar Negroni

Name: Cynar Negroni
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 Oz Cynar; 1 Oz Bulldog London Dry Gin; 1 Oz Bottega Cinzano 1757 G.I. Rosso; Lemon twist to garnish; Ice

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Liqueur

Great for

Dinner Party

Difficulty

Easy

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The Cynar Negroni is a bold twist on the classic, swapping out Campari for Cynar, an artichoke-based Italian amaro with bittersweet, herbal depth. The result? A darker, earthier Negroni layered with caramel, spice, and a mellow herbal finish that hits different while staying true to the essence of a delicious aperitivo.

Italian amari, or bitters, add class, complexity and intrigue. Their exact formulas are held under lock and key and passed down like family heirlooms. And Cynar might just be the most intriguing amaro of them all.  

First made in 1952, the rich brown elixir is a blend of 13 herbs and spices, including artichoke leaves. When paired with the zest of gin and the sweet, spicy character of sweet vermouth, a special Negroni is born. It’s smooth and inviting, leaving you with a lingering aftertaste that’s pleasant and utterly unique.  

QUICK TIPS

Chill your glasses for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Twist the lemon peel over the glass to release the oils into the cocktail before garnishing.

For a sweeter cocktail, garnish with an orange twist.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

Cynar

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

Lemon twist to garnish

Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir well for at least 30 seconds

Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice

Garnish with a lemon twist

Serve

What Is a Cynar Negroni?

Think of the Cynar Negroni recipe as the moody cousin of the classic Negroni. Typically, it’s the Campari bringing that iconic red bite, but here it’s swapped for Cynar—Italy’s artichoke-based amaro with a bittersweet, earthy edge.

This substitution brings a deeper, earthier dimension to the drink, pairing beautifully with the botanicals of gin and the rich, aromatic sweetness of vermouth. It’s a cocktail that’s familiar yet adventurous, perfect if you appreciate complex, herbaceous flavours.

Also see: Master the Art of Cynar Cocktails: Recipes, Tips and More

Exploring the unique flavour profile of a Cynar Negroni

Here’s what makes this riff stand out from the classic:

Herbal and earthy: Cynar brings artichoke and herbal depth that feels grounded and intriguing.

Caramel and toffee sweetness: Softens the edges and adds a mellow warmth.

Gentle bitterness: Softer than the bold bitterness of Campari, it gives the Negroni a smoother, more laid-back taste.

Balanced with a juniper-laced gin kick and the lush sweetness of vermouth, it’s complex but totally approachable.

Learn more: Top Vermouths for Negroni: Find Your Perfect Match

Why choose Cynar for your Negroni?

Cynar is an amaro that brings a unique twist to the traditional Negroni. It adds robust depth and earthy character that’s hard to match. If you enjoy the bitterness of Campari (opens in new window) but want to explore something more herbal and subtly sweet, try Cynar. It gives the drink a sophisticated edge that appeals to both seasoned cocktail lovers and newbies who are just beginning to explore amari.

Cynar Negroni vs Classic Negroni

While both the twist and the classic share the same foundational structure (gin, a bittersweet liqueur, and sweet vermouth), the twist offers a different experience. The classic version of the drink is brighter and more assertively bitter, with a vibrant red hue that makes it instantly recognisable.

By comparison, the Cynar-based version has a richer, darker tone and a more subdued bitterness, with a slightly sweeter, more herbal finish. This variation leans into more depth and complexity.

More inspiration: Negroni Variations to Try at Home

Tips for perfecting your Cynar Negroni

Choose your gin wisely: A London dry gin (opens in new window) works well to complement Cynar’s herbal notes, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A gin with citrus or floral notes can add an extra layer of complexity.

Balance your vermouth: Using a high-quality sweet vermouth, like Bottega Cinzano 1757 G.I. Rosso (opens in new window), enhances the drink’s rich and aromatic profile. It brings out the warm spice notes, making the cocktail well-balanced and flavourful.

Stir, don’t shake: Like the classic Negroni, this sipper should be stirred to maintain its clarity and smooth texture. Stirring also allows the flavours to blend perfectly without over-diluting the drink.

Garnish smartly: A slice of orange or a twist of lemon peel not only adds a citrus aroma but also complements Cynar’s herbal character, making each sip more refreshing.

Serving suggestions for a Cynar Negroni

Serve this drink over a large ice cube in a classic rocks glass. This method keeps the drink chilled while allowing it to dilute slowly so that you can savour the complex flavours. Garnish with an orange twist or a fresh rosemary sprig for an added aromatic touch. This cocktail shines as the perfect pre-dinner aperitif, whether you’re embracing Italian aperitivo culture at home or exploring new riffs during Negroni Week.

Food pairings

Salty aperitivo snacks like olives, roasted nuts, or crisp potato chips.

Mushroom bruschetta mirrors the earthy depth of the artichoke liqueur.

Rich charcuterie: think cured meats and aged cheeses to balance the bittersweet edge.

Other Negroni variations

If the artichoke OG has won you over, these riffs and relatives deserve to be on your radar. Each of these clinkers brings its own spin on that bittersweet aperitivo vibe.

Classic Negroni: Distinctive, bittersweet, and perfectly balanced, this timeless aperitivo never goes out of style.

Cynar Spritz: Light, bittersweet, and effortlessly chill. Perfect for laid-back aperitivo hours.

Negroni Sbagliato: Bubbly, bittersweet, and a little cheeky — ideal for celebrations without the intensity.

Boulevardier: Bold, warming, and sophisticated, the Negroni’s whiskey-loving cousin.

Paper Plane: Tangy, bittersweet, and modern, a cocktail with serious cult-favourite energy.

Americano: Classic, bittersweet, and easy-going, a classic aperitivo sipper.

Old Pal: Dry, sharp, and no-nonsense, a cocktail with old-school swagger.

Ready, set, clink! Visit the Cynar (opens in new window), Bulldog Gin (opens in new window), and Cinzano (opens in new window) websites to stock up on Cynar Negroni ingredients and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A classic London dry gin is a solid choice as its juniper-forward profile complements the herbal notes of Cynar. A gin with citrus or floral undertones can also add an interesting twist to the drink, enhancing the cocktail’s complexity. Experiment with different gins to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.

While Cynar provides a unique bittersweet and earthy flavour due to its blend of herbs and artichoke, other types of amaro can be used for different flavour profiles. For a more robust bitterness, try using Campari. If you prefer a slightly sweeter and less intense flavour, consider Aperol. Each substitution will create a distinct version of the Negroni with its own character.

It's traditionally served over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. The ice helps to chill the cocktail while allowing it to slowly dilute, mellowing the flavours over time and offering a balanced sipping experience. If you prefer a more intense flavour, you can serve it straight up in a chilled glass without ice.

Cynar can step in for Campari in many recipes, but the vibe changes. Campari is bolder and brighter, while Cynar is earthier with caramel notes. It works beautifully in a Negroni, and swaps in other cocktails will create a different, more herbal experience.

It shines as a pre-dinner aperitif. It’s also a great pick for relaxed evenings with friends or during Negroni Week when you want to explore riffs beyond the classic.