Cynar Recipe

Build and stir

Place a mixing glass or medium glass into the refrigerator for a few minutes if you want a colder vessel. Add the Cynar (1.5 oz), sweet vermouth (1 oz), and gin or rye (0.5 oz) if using, to the mixing glass. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters. Fill the mixing glass about three-quarters full with ice (about 1 cup). Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but steadily for 20–30 seconds (or until well chilled and slightly diluted).

Prepare serving glass

If using a rocks glass: place a large ice cube or several fresh ice cubes into the glass. If serving up (no ice), chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass and strain without an ice cube.

Strain and finish

Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, double-strain (if you prefer a slightly clearer drink, use a fine mesh) the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared serving glass over the ice (or into the chilled coupe if serving up).

Express the oils of an orange twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a quick snap so the peel faces down. Run the peel around the rim if desired, then drop the twist into the drink. Optionally add a cocktail cherry or a small expressed lemon peel for additional aroma.