Midnight Cynar

Story

After the initial Cynar & Soda suggestion, you asked for “something different.” Instead of another aperitivo highball or a Negroni variation, the conversation pivoted toward something darker and smokier. Mezcal paired naturally with Cynar’s earthy bitterness, while a small amount of syrup and orange bitters rounded the drink into an easy spirit-forward sipper.

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until chilled and diluted.
3. Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish.

Notes

• • You later mentioned you did not have simple syrup, but this drink was still one we landed on before that constraint changed the direction.