Cynar Julep
The Cynar Julep is an inventive and refreshing twist on the traditional Mint Julep. By swapping bourbon for Cynar, an artichoke-based amaro, it becomes a significantly lower-alcohol drink packed with complex, bittersweet, and vegetal notes. The fresh mint and simple syrup beautifully balance the amaro's bitterness, creating a sophisticated and deeply flavorful sipper. It's a favorite among bartenders and amaro enthusiasts for its unique profile and warm-weather appeal.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Cynar Julep is categorized as a modern classic cocktail, as it was created in the 21st century but has gained significant recognition. It is also a specific type of cocktail known as a Julep, characterized by its use of muddled mint and being served over crushed ice.
Serving
Serve ice-cold in a traditional metal Julep cup packed with crushed ice to create a beautiful frost on the exterior. This is a refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail designed for slow sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz (plus ice)
Alcohol content
Low ABV, approximately 10-12%
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Julep Cup
Glass treatment
Chilled, with frost forming on the outside from the crushed ice.
Backstory
This cocktail was created in 2011 by renowned bartender Joaquín Simó while he was working at Death & Co in New York City. The drink quickly became a hit within the craft cocktail community. It masterfully showcased how a lower-ABV amaro could serve as the base spirit in a cocktail, popularizing Cynar and highlighting the versatility of the julep format beyond whiskey.
Origin
Created in 2011 in New York City, USA.
Cynar Julep
The drink is consistently known by its original name, the Cynar Julep, reflecting its base ingredient and style. There are no common alternative names for this modern classic cocktail.
Original name
Cynar Julep
Characteristics overview
This is a highly refreshing summer cocktail defined by a bold bittersweet and herbal flavor, with a powerful fresh mint aroma. It presents a deep amber color and offers a clean, lingering herbal aftertaste.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, minty, vegetal, refreshing
Aroma
Fresh mint, herbaceous, earthy, slightly sweet
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering, bittersweet, herbal, clean
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Deep amber, dark brown, translucent
Texture
Cold, light-bodied, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely herbal and bitter, balanced by a moderate sweetness and a very low perceived alcohol strength. The cocktail is completely still and non-carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The recipe is straightforward, requiring only three primary ingredients: the Italian amaro Cynar, simple syrup for sweetness, and a generous amount of fresh mint.
- Cynar60 ml / 2 ozThe key ingredient. Do not substitute if you want to make this specific drink.
- Simple Syrup (1:1)15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust quantity based on personal sweetness preference. Demerara syrup can add more depth.
- Fresh Mint Leaves8-10 leavesUse fresh, vibrant mint. An additional large sprig is needed for garnish.
Ice type
- Crushed
Mixing equipments
Essential equipment includes a Julep cup (or a sturdy rocks glass) to build the drink in, a muddler to release mint oils, and a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients with crushed ice.
- Julep cup or Rocks glass - for building and serving
- Muddler - for gently pressing the mint
- Bar spoon or Swizzle stick - for mixing and chilling
Instructions
The drink is built directly in its serving glass. Gently muddle mint with syrup, add Cynar, then churn with crushed ice until the cup is well-chilled and frosted before garnishing.
1. Place 8-10 fresh mint leaves and the simple syrup in the bottom of a chilled julep cup.
2. Gently muddle the mint to express its oils. Avoid shredding the leaves, as this can release bitterness.
3. Add the Cynar to the cup.
4. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and stir or swizzle with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds, until the outside of the cup becomes frosted.
5. Top with more crushed ice, forming a packed dome over the rim of the cup.
6. Take a large, fresh mint sprig and slap it between your palms to release its fragrant oils.
7. Garnish by inserting the mint sprig into the ice next to where you will place the straw.
8. Optionally, dust the mint with a small amount of powdered sugar. Insert a short straw and serve immediately.
Garnishing
The essential garnish is a large, aromatic mint sprig, which is crucial for the overall sensory experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar is a common, though optional, enhancement.
- Large Mint Sprig - Spank the sprig against your hand to release its aroma and place it prominently in the ice next to the straw.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional) - Lightly dust over the mint sprig for a frosted, decorative effect.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is a suitable choice for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a moderately low-calorie cocktail, containing around 160 kcal per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the Cynar and the simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 150-170 kcal / 628-711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-18 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This refreshing and lower-alcohol cocktail is ideal for warm weather occasions like summer parties and afternoon sipping. It also serves as a fantastic and unique aperitivo before a meal or as a complementary drink for brunch.
- Summer gathering
- Aperitivo hour
- Brunch
- Afternoon sipping
Pairing suggestions
The bittersweet character of the Cynar Julep makes it an excellent aperitivo. It pairs beautifully with salty and savory foods such as cheese, charcuterie, and olives, as its herbal notes cut through richness and cleanse the palate.
- Salty snacks like olives or Marcona almonds
- Charcuterie and cheese boards
- Grilled vegetables
- Light brunch fare like quiche or salads
The Cynar Julep: A Bittersweet and Refreshing Modern Classic
The Cynar Julep is a brilliant modern classic that masterfully reinterprets the traditional julep with the Italian amaro Cynar as its foundation. This clever substitution results in a wonderfully complex and refreshing low-ABV cocktail, making it an ideal choice for warm weather and aperitivo hour. Its flavor profile is a sophisticated dance between the amaro's deep, bittersweet herbal notes and the bright, cooling freshness of muddled mint. Simple to construct yet visually striking, it's a must-try for amaro lovers and anyone seeking a less alcoholic yet deeply flavorful drink.
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