Chinar (Cynar) – Italian artichoke liqueur

Chinar (Tsinar) is an artichoke liqueur with a strength of 16.5% by volume, produced by the Italian alcohol concern Campari Group. The drink belongs to the category amaro (amaro) – herbal liquors with digestive properties. The exact recipe is kept secret, it is only known that Chinar contains 13 herbs and plants. The brand name comes from the Latin name of the main ingredient, artichoke – Cynar scolymus.

Features

Chinar liqueur has a dark amber color, thick texture and a refreshing bittersweet taste. Surprisingly, the artichoke is not felt at all in the drink, instead the main ingredient gives the liquor a distinct herbal taste with earthy notes.

History

Chinar owes its appearance to the Venetian entrepreneur and philanthropist Angelo Dalle Molle. Signor Angelo developed the recipe in 1948, and the first batches of the liqueur appeared on the Italian market four years later. The product quickly spread throughout Europe, then began to be exported to other parts of the world. The main importers of Chinar today are Brazil, Italy and Switzerland.

The first manufacturer was the inventor himself and his two brothers, Amedeo and Mario. In 1955, only Campari was second in popularity among Amaros. From 1957 to 1976, a series of commercials for artichoke liqueur featuring movie stars were launched on television, this campaign helped to strengthen the brand’s market position.

Types

In addition to the classic version, there is also a variation with a strength of 35% by volume, which is made on the basis of the same ingredients, but additional tones of dried fruits and caramel are felt in the bouquet.

How to drink Chinar

Chinar is suitable both as an aperitif and digestif (served neat with ice). However, most often the drink is used as a cocktail ingredient.

Chinar can also be diluted with soda, cola, orange juice, even white wine or champagne.

Cocktails with Chinar

1. English in What (What is English). In an ice-filled mixing glass, pour 1 part Chinar, 3 parts fig bourbon, ½ part vermouth, and a bar spoonful of cinnamon syrup. Stir, then pour through a strainer into a glass. Serve with ice, cinnamon stick and artichoke leaf.
2. The Search & Rescue (Search и Salvation). In a shaker filled with ice, mix one part each of Chinar and ordinary sugar syrup, one and a half parts of lemon juice and port wine, 2,5 parts of rye whiskey, strain twice, serve with ice.
3. Poison Dart. In a shaker with ice, mix ½ part artichoke liqueur and cinnamon syrup, 4 part freshly squeezed lemon juice and orchada (almond-citrus syrup), XNUMX parts bourbon, add a couple of drops of bitter. Serve in a champagne glass with orange zest.
4. Cabernet Manhattan (Cabernet Manhattan). In an ice-filled mixing glass, pour equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Chinar and Bourbon, add two drops of bitters. Serve in a chilled champagne glass.
5. Bitter Guiseppe (Bitter Giuseppe). Mix sweet red vermouth and Chinar in a 1:2 ratio in a glass, add 4 drops of angostura, orange bitter, add a bar spoon of lemon juice. Stir, serve with ice.
6. La Alcachofa (from Spanish Artichoke). Fill a mixing glass with ice, pour Chinar and tequila in a ratio of 1:2, serve with lemon zest.
7. Presbyterian’s Revenge (Presbyterian revenge). In an ice-filled shaker, mix 2 parts Scotch, ¾ parts Chinar, ¼ parts lemon juice and sugar syrup, add a few drops of orange bitter. After straining, pour ½ part soda into a glass. Serve with grapefruit zest.