Originally Posted by
LapLap
Spoke to a couple of Venetian bar tenders (both of whom spoke in Veneto with their clients). I said I was surprised to find Cynar offered as a Spritz variant on so many bar and restaurant menus lately* didn’t recall seeing it a decade ago and asked when Cynar became an alternative, They agreed that Select is the representative Spritz for Venice, but both made a point of saying that people within Venice itself have been drinking Cynar in the Spritz style “since forever” in the meaning of as long as can be remembered.
If you have a taste for Chinotto soda, you’re half way to appreciating Cynar as a Spritz.
*particularly around Via Garibaldi/Castello area, didn’t notice it much, if at all, along any of the main tourist routes.
The real Venetian Spritz is supposed to be the one made with select, whilst the version that evolved towards Padova, is supposed to be made with Aperol. Not sure how much confidence I would have in any barman historic information unless coming from a particular location (e.g. Locali Storici, an association of bars, restaurants and the likes over 100 years old) where working there means that they have to be informed about the history and traditions of the place and particular products offered.
Anyway, you obviously like this version, and whilst i still believe to be a fairly modern faff, I am sure you and others will continue drinking it, so a pointless discussion, and whilst I love my Chinotto and generally have a like for many bitter food and drinks (part of the traditional food and drink I grow up with), i am not tempted at all to try a Cynar Spritz