From Sparrow’s amaro list, Cynar is the famous Italian artichoke amaro, a cult favorite among bartenders, $10 by the pour, or $15 for a larger pour.
About Cynar
Cynar was first introduced in 1952 in Padua, Italy. It is an amaro built on a blend of herbs and plants, the most distinctive of which is the artichoke (Cynara scolymus), the plant that gives the amaro its name. Its instantly recognizable label, with the artichoke front and center, has made it an icon of Italian aperitivo culture. Since the 1990s it has been part of the Campari Group. The artichoke leaf brings a savory, vegetal edge that sets Cynar apart from sweeter or more citrusy amari, and bartenders prize it for the way it balances bitterness with an almost earthy depth.
Tasting Notes
Cynar is bittersweet and herbal with a distinctive savory, vegetal character from the artichoke, plus caramel sweetness and a dry, lingering bitter finish. It is bracing neat but mellows beautifully over ice or with soda.
What to Pair It With
Cynar plays both roles, an appetite-opening aperitivo or an after-dinner digestivo. Try it over ice with soda and an orange slice, or sip it neat in our 21+ lounge after the meal. From the Sparrow menu its savory side suits the Truffle Deviled Eggs, the Roasted Cauliflower Steak, or Fresh Oysters. Look for it during daily happy hour, 3 to 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cynar made from?
Cynar is an Italian amaro first introduced in 1952 in Padua, made from a blend of herbs and plants, most notably the artichoke (Cynara scolymus), which gives it both its name and its savory, vegetal character.
How much is a pour of Cynar at Sparrow in Kirkland?
A pour of Cynar at Sparrow is $10, or $15 for a larger pour, at our restaurant in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside.
Find Cynar on the Sparrow beverages menu alongside fellow amari like Campari and the gentler Cardamaro. We are on Kirkland’s Eastside in Juanita, so reserve a table and give the artichoke amaro a try.