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The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes

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It’s been too long since I’ve shared a cocktail recipe around here. This one, with Cynar (pronounced chee-nar), Cognac, and Punt e Mes, is a keeper.

In recent months, Dan and I have been spending lots of time with the herbaceous, bitter, primarily-Italian amaro section of our liquor cabinet. (And if you’re interested in learning more about amari, you absolutely should check out Brad Thomas Parsons’s excellent new book, Amaro.)

One of our favorite amaro cocktails, and, let’s be honest, one of the best cocktails of all-time, is the Negroni and the seemingly infinite variations on it.

The Popinjay, a cocktail that I have to credit Dan with inventing, is a sort of variation on a variation, the Boulevardier, a richer take on the Negroni that’s become a classic in its own right.

The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes. From Blossom to Stem | www.blossomtostem.net

But where the Boulevardier uses bourbon instead of the traditional gin, the Popinjay swaps in Cognac for the bourbon and the fragrant, complex, herbal Cynar for the Campari, while keeping the sweet vermouth component in the form of the delightfully complex Punt e Mes.

The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes. From Blossom to Stem | www.blossomtostem.net

It’s a simple equal-parts stirred cocktail that uses the richness and gentle sweetness of the Cognac and Punt e Mes to temper the bitter edges of the Cynar.

And it’s a combination that just works. We’ve been drinking these regularly since Dan first  made one. I decided to name it the Popinjay because it’s a near-synonym for Boulevardier, and it’s a splendid word that we simply don’t have enough excuses to say.

The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes. From Blossom to Stem | www.blossomtostem.net

I know that bitter amari aren’t for everyone. But if you’ve acquired a taste for them you know how their lingering complexity can beguile. This drink is a lovely little way to celebrate that bitter complexity in a rich, smooth package.

Popinjay Cocktail Pour

P.S. If you are looking for more ways to use that bottle of Cynar, you should try the Bitter Giuseppe.

The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes. From Blossom to Stem | www.blossomtostem.net
Yield: 1 drink

The Popinjay

The Popinjay, a cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes. From Blossom to Stem | www.blossomtostem.net

This cocktail with Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes, is a riff on a Boulevardier, which itself is a riff on a classic Negroni. The herbal, bitter Cynar gets tamed by the rich Cognac and the sweetness of the Punt e Mes. It's a simple equal-parts cocktail for fans of amari. I like to use Maison Rouge VS for an easy to find, reasonably priced mixing Cognac (there are plenty of better sipping Cognacs but they get pricey).

Prep Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Cynar
  • 1 ounce Cognac
  • 1 ounce Punt e Mes

Instructions

  1. Chill a coupe glass. Add the Cynar, Cognac, and Punt e Mes to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into the chilled coupe and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280

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Erica

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

I found the Bitter Giuseppe here and enjoyed it very much! Great way to use up Cynar (which otherwise doesn't get a ton of love).

Well, this is even yummier! More complex, less sweet, with the added bonus that it lasts longer because I sip it slower. And, like the Bitter Giuseppe, it uses something that otherwise might languish on the shelf (Punt e Mes).

My only thought was adding a garnish. I threw in a "Bada Bing" cherry, but I bet a Luxardo cherry or a homemade brandied one would be tasty too.

Thank you so much for sharing this with the world!

Mary

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Erica, I'm so glad you like this! You're right that Cynar can be underutilized. I like your garnish--a nice cocktail cherry would be lovely here. It's also nice with an orange twist.

Stephanie@ApplesforCJ

Friday 24th of February 2017

Sounds great and Right on time for a relaxing Friday evening!

Mary

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Thanks, Stephanie! I think it's a great way to relax!

Brandi Crawford

Friday 24th of February 2017

This looks great! Just in time for weekend!

Mary

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Thanks, Brandi! It's a perfect cocktail for unwinding after a long week!

Erren

Friday 24th of February 2017

So delicious, love the flavors! Must try.

Mary

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

You should totally give it a try!

Jasmin

Friday 24th of February 2017

Oh wow, doesn't this look lovely!

Mary

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Thanks, Jasmin!

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