The bartender’s spritz.
Why you are pouring this tonight
The Cynar Spritz is the bartender’s spritz, which is to say the spritz that the people who pour the Aperols all night order for themselves on their break. Cynar is artichoke amaro, 16.5% ABV, almost double the strength of Aperol. It tastes like an artichoke and a bonfire have signed a treaty. If you have only ever had Aperol Spritzes, this drink will reset what you thought a spritz could do.
Use a juniper-forward dry prosecco. The driest you can find. Cynar’s vegetal bitterness needs the contrast. Build over a tall wine glass full of ice with the Cynar first, prosecco second, soda third, and a generous orange wedge to garnish. The orange is non-negotiable. Eat with prosciutto, parmesan rind on a bread board, salted Marcona almonds. This is not a daytime drink. This is the drink for a Tuesday where you want to feel like a forty-year-old.
What to pour it alongside
Aged hard cheese, cured salami, Roman-Jewish artichokes.
Notes
Cynar is 16.5%, double the strength of Aperol, so the drink hits harder per mL. Lower the spirit if you want something lunchier.
The recipe
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