Cynar substitutes
The closest substitute for Cynar is Amaro Nonino, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Lighter and more orangey. Campari and Braulio also work. In a pinch, use Fernet-Branca.
What to use instead of Cynar
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Amaro NoninoWorks, tastes different Lighter and more orangey. Same amount | Same amount | 35% ABV | +3 points |
CampariWorks, tastes different Brighter and more bitter. Same amount | Same amount | 24–25% ABV | +2 points |
BraulioWorks, tastes different Piney and more alpine. Same amount | Same amount | 21% ABV | +1 point |
Fernet-BrancaLast resort Far more intense, so use half. Use half the amount | Use half the amount | 39–43% ABV | +3 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Cynar, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Art of Choke
30ml (1 oz) Cynar → 30ml (1 oz) Amaro Nonino
About 22% ABV → about 28% ABV+6 points
- Bensonhurst
5ml (¼ oz) Cynar → 5ml (¼ oz) Amaro Nonino
About 27% ABV → about 28% ABV+1 point
- Bitter Giuseppe
60ml (2 oz) Cynar → 60ml (2 oz) Amaro Nonino
About 12% ABV → about 21% ABV+9 points
- Eeyore's Requiem
7.5ml (¼ oz) Cynar → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Amaro Nonino
About 19% ABV → about 21% ABV+2 points
- Little Italy
15ml (½ oz) Cynar → 15ml (½ oz) Amaro Nonino
About 27% ABV → about 29% ABV+2 points
- Rabo de Galo
15ml (½ oz) Cynar → 15ml (½ oz) Amaro Nonino
About 31% ABV → about 34% ABV+3 points
How they compare
| Property | Cynar | Amaro Nonino |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 16.5–35% ABV | 35% ABV |
| Taste | Bitter herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Earthy | Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Elegant, Smooth |
| Aroma | Herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Bitter | Orange, Herbs, Vanilla, Caramel, Gentle bitter |
| Finish | Bitter, Long, Herbal | Medium, Citrus, Clean bitter, Refined |
| Property | Cynar | Campari |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 16.5–35% ABV | 24–25% ABV |
| Taste | Bitter herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Earthy | Intensely bitter, Orange peel, Herbal, Sweet undertones |
| Aroma | Herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Bitter | Bitter orange, Cherry, Herbs, Spice |
| Finish | Bitter, Long, Herbal | Long, Bitter, Warming, Complex |
Bottles like Cynar
Cardamaro is made in the same style as Cynar, so it swaps in at the same amount. How they differ
What is Cynar?
Cynar is an Italian artichoke-based amaro with bitter, herbaceous character. Despite the artichoke, it tastes more earthy-bitter than vegetal.
Got Cynar? It also replaces
Questions about Cynar substitutes
What is the best substitute for Cynar?
Amaro Nonino is the closest substitute for Cynar, though the drink will taste a little different. Lighter and more orangey. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Cynar in a Rabo de Galo?
Amaro Nonino: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Cynar for 15ml (½ oz) of Amaro Nonino. It ends up about 34% ABV instead of about 31% (before the ice melts).
How much Fernet-Branca do I use instead of Cynar?
Use half the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Cynar becomes 15 ml of Fernet-Branca.
What else tastes like Cynar?
Cardamaro is made in the same style as Cynar, so it swaps in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Amaro Nonino instead of Cynar change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Bitter Giuseppe, which goes from about 12% to about 21% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Cynar?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.