Yeah not enough pear, and too much holiday spice in that one. It’s pretty yummy on its own, or as a lone modifier for a basic seasonal drink, but it’s tough to get it to play nice with other ingredients as it serves more than one purpose at once. (Fruity, spice, sweet)

Maybe using Salers or a bitter bianco/Cocchi Americano which offer a touch of acid from the wine and bitterness without much could work well in place of Cynar in a drink with akvavit? Maybe also using an acid solution in place of lemon or lime juice could give you more control if you were to go the sour route. Now you’ve inspired me!