The Italian liqueur made from artichoke leaves is Cynar.
Cynar is a bitter Italian aperitif and amaro whose name comes from Cynara scolymus, the botanical name for the globe artichoke. Its recipe combines artichoke leaves with 12 other herbs and botanicals, although the complete formula is kept secret. Despite its unusual main ingredient, Cynar tastes more herbal, bittersweet, and earthy than distinctly like a cooked artichoke.
The liqueur was developed in Padua by the Dalle Molle family and introduced in the early 1950s. It became widely recognized in Italy through memorable television advertising featuring actor Ernesto Calindri enjoying a glass amid chaotic city traffic. That campaign helped establish Cynar as a symbol of relief from modern stress.
Cynar is often served over ice, with soda, or in cocktails such as a Cynar Spritz. Its 16.5% alcohol content makes it lighter than many spirits. It is sometimes confused with Fernet, Aperol, or Campari, but those are different bitter drinks with different botanical blends and flavor profiles.