What's the difference between a Cynar Spritz and an Aperol Spritz?

Same build — prosecco, soda, and a bitter apéritif over ice — but Cynar Spritz uses the artichoke-based amaro Cynar instead of Aperol, giving it a more herbal, less orange-forward bitterness.

Can I make a Cynar Spritz without soda water?

Yes, though it'll be a touch stronger and less fizzy — the soda mainly extends the pour and softens Cynar's bitterness.

How do I scale a Cynar Spritz up for a party?

Keep the ratio and pour to order rather than batching — prosecco and soda both lose their fizz once mixed ahead of time.

Aperitif/Liqueur · Spritz · Bittersweet

Cynar Spritz Recipe

The Aperol Spritz's bitter, artichoke-forward Italian cousin. Bittersweet and bubbly — Cynar's bitter artichoke edge lightened by prosecco's bright fizz and a splash of soda. An easy-drinking aperitivo with more backbone than an Aperol Spritz.

Prep Time: 1 min
Method: Stirred
Glass: Wine glass
Strength: Light

Every recipe on Sipped Right is tested for taste and balance before it's published.

Last updated October 20, 2026

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About the Cynar Spritz

The Spritz format traces to 1920s Venice, where the original spritz veneziano paired the bitter apéritif Select with prosecco and soda. Cynar Spritz follows the same template, swapping in Cynar the way an Aperol Spritz swaps in Aperol — a straightforward, well-documented variation on the Italian spritz family rather than an independently invented drink.

Cynar makes up roughly a third of the pour against prosecco's half — enough for its bitter artichoke character to lead, but cut and lifted by the wine's fizz and the soda's dilution. Swap Cynar for Aperol and it's the more familiar orange-forward Spritz; swap it for Campari and it's a Campari Spritz.

Cynar Spritz cocktail served in a Wine glass

Ingredients

Servings

Cynar2 oz
Prosecco3 oz
Soda Water1 oz

Method

Fill a wine glass with ice.
Measure and pour the Cynar into the glass.
Top with the prosecco and soda water.
Stir for 5 seconds to combine.
Cut a slice of orange.
Add the orange slice to the glass.

Stirring the Cynar Spritz into a chilled wine glass

Close-up of the garnish on a Cynar Spritz, expressed over the glass

Glass & Garnish

Wine glass, over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Notes

Build the ice first, then pour in the order above — spritzes lose their fizz fast if stirred too hard or too long. Serve immediately.

Tools Used

Affiliate links

Jigger Bar spoon Large wine glass

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FAQ

What's the difference between a Cynar Spritz and an Aperol Spritz?: Same build — prosecco, soda, and a bitter apéritif over ice — but Cynar Spritz uses the artichoke-based amaro Cynar instead of Aperol, giving it a more herbal, less orange-forward bitterness.
Can I make a Cynar Spritz without soda water?: Yes, though it'll be a touch stronger and less fizzy — the soda mainly extends the pour and softens Cynar's bitterness.
How do I scale a Cynar Spritz up for a party?: Keep the ratio and pour to order rather than batching — prosecco and soda both lose their fizz once mixed ahead of time.