cynar--artichoke liqueur

[butterfly]

I noticed this at the liquor store the last time I went... If I buy a bottle, what can I do with it?--other than sip it straight, that is. I had a version of negroni with it once, but I thought the flavor got lost in the mix. Oh, and last summer I had a clara (beer and lemonade) with a shot of cynar. I thought that one worked better.

Seems like it would be interesting to use in cooking (maybe a cake?). Any ideas?

[Rubee]

That's a better description than I can give. I'm a fan of Cynar (my husband thinks it's vile, but he doesn't like Averna or Fernet Branca either). I've always enjoyed it straight up as a digestif at local restaurants. I think I'll have to pick up up a bottle for home.

[JoanN]

Agreed. I like it as well and drink it the same way. Even have a bottle in the cabinet for those few (very few) who also care to indulge.

[C. Hamster]

Cynar is more bitter than Ramazotti or Averna but it is loads less assertive that than uberminty Fernet Branca! IMO that is.

It doesn't taste like Campari (or artichokes) to me, but the bitterness/subtle sweetness factor is very similar.

I like to drink Cynar (and amari in general) straight up, on ice, with soda or maybe with soda and a hit of OJ.

I'm not sure about cooking with it though.

Beautiful bottle!

[Up With Olives]

Agreed -- on ice with a bit of soda to think it down, and a twist of orange peel. I wish more bars had Cynar. I love amari but dislike Campari.

[pizzapazza]

I find Cynar very bitter compared to other digestivi (Ramozotti--which I love, Fernet Branca, etc.) Not really a fan, but I imagine over ice, it could be OK. I guess you could mix it with soda like Campari (my favorite summertime aperitif) but I think we are talking about a totally different animal here. There is no hint of artichoke: what CAN'T you make an alcoholic beverage out of, given enough time, and a little sugar to start the fermentation process?

[danoots]

yeah... cynar is fairly similar to campari, at least to these tastebuds. You don't really taste it and think "artichokes".

[DavidT]

You can use Cynar in a drink much as you would use Campari. I like either in a tall glass with soda and a twist of lemon peel.
If you did not know Cynar was made from artichokes, I doubt you could tell by tasting it.

[bourbongirl]

I've never tried it, but depending on how strong the artichoke flavor is, it might be put to use in carmelizing something (onions,maybe...and garlic?) in a sautee. Just a thought!

[HaagenDazs]

Play a hilarious joke on your enemies by giving them a shot if the stuff ;-) I've never had it, but heard of it. Is it any good?