Cynar Spritz with Cava – A Bold Italian Amaro Spritz Recipe

Some cocktails are meant to surprise you, and my Cynar Spritz with Cava does just that. This spritz takes Cynar, an Italian bitter liqueur known for its botanicals and distinctive flavor profile, and turns it into a sparkling, bittersweet cocktail that will transport you straight to Venice.  With Cava as the sparkling wine, a part soda water for balance, and the briny bite of Castelvetrano olives, this spritz cocktail has the perfect blend of bitterness, sweetness, and effervescence.

If you’re in the mood to branch out, I’ve got plenty of other spritzes to inspire you. My Hugo Spritz leans floral and refreshing with St. Germain, while the Limoncello Spritz is sunshine in a glass—bright, zesty, and perfect with summer cuisine. And when you’re craving that classic red-orange glow, my Aperol Spritz recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Whatever spritz you choose, I love pairing them with simple but flavor-packed appetizers: marinated olives with feta, a slice of my tomato focaccia for something juicy, olive focaccia to highlight the garnish in your glass, or prosciutto e melon, that iconic sweet-salty bite that Italians have loved for centuries.

Recipe Highlights: Cynar Spritz

• Inspiration: This Cynar spritz recipe draws from Italy’s deep tradition of amaro spritz cocktails, balancing bitterness with bubbles. Inspired by Venetian aperitivo culture, it’s a nod to the original creators of Cynar and their mission to make Italian bitter liqueur more approachable.
• Best Served For: Aperitivo hour, a lively dinner party, or an easy weeknight sip when you want to feel transported straight to Italy. It’s the perfect choice for both a guest who’s new to Amari and a seasoned bartender.
• What Makes It Special: Unlike Campari spritzes or other parts liqueur–part sparkling wine formulas, this one is softer, more layered, and accented with the olive garnish. It captures the tastes of Italian culture in one ice-filled wineglass.
• A Fun Fact: Cynar was originally marketed as a liqueur that paired just as well with white wine as it did with gin. Its popularity grew quickly thanks to its distinctive botanicals and the bittersweet balance that Italians still love today.

Ingredients Notes

• Cynar: An Italian bitter liqueur made with artichokes and more than a dozen secret botanicals. Expect earthy bitterness, balanced by a touch of sweetness that makes it easier to sip than Campari for some. I love the bitter notes! 
• Cava: A brut-style sparkling wine from Spain. Its dryness is key here! Cava tempers the sweetness of Cynar while highlighting its botanicals. Normally, people would use Prosecco.
• Soda Water: Club soda adds a lightness and more fizz! prosecco, but trust me, the cava is even better!
• Castelvetrano Olives: Mild, buttery, and meaty, these olives are an iconic part of Italian cuisine. They’re a garnish that works double duty: snack and flavor accent.
• Orange: Can’t forget the orange for garnish! The citrus adds a little extra britness to this spritz.

Suggested Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Use dry Prosecco instead of Cava for a fruitier amaro spritz.
• Add a splash of gin for a stronger, more cocktail-forward profile.
• Swap the orange slice for a lemon twist if you want brighter citrus notes.
• Try garnishing with multiple olives or even pickled vegetables for an extra savory kick.

How to Make a Cynar Spritz with Cava

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!