What Drink Can You Make With Campari?

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey with Campari? This timeless Italian liqueur has delighted palates for over 160 years, thanks to its bittersweet taste and vibrant red color. Known as a symbol of good taste, conviviality, and passion, Campari has become an iconic drink enjoyed worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or looking to explore new flavors, Campari offers endless possibilities. So, let’s dive into the world of Campari cocktails and discover the perfect drink for you.

Campari’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, in any setting, and with any food. This makes it a wonderful choice for a wide range of occasions – whether you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail on a sunny afternoon or winding down with a sophisticated drink after dinner. The options are endless, and Campari is always there to elevate your drinking experience.

Campari’s popularity grew rapidly, leading to its prominent presence in classic and modern cocktails. The Negroni, a timeless favorite, is made with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, resulting in a perfectly balanced and vibrant cocktail. If you prefer something lighter, the Americano combines Campari with sweet vermouth and soda water, creating a refreshing and effervescent drink. 

And for those who appreciate a bourbon-based cocktail, the Boulevardier is a must-try, with Campari, bourbon, and sweet vermouth blending harmoniously to deliver a rich and complex flavor profile. These are just a few examples of the many Campari cocktails waiting to be discovered.

Campari’s distinct flavor comes from a closely guarded secret recipe, known to contain a blend of over 60 different herbs, spices, and fruit peels. This unique combination creates a complex profile with bitter, citrusy, herbal, and spicy notes, complemented by hints of cherry and berry. The result is a bold and unforgettable taste experience that has been cherished for generations.

Light and Bubbly: Indulge in a Refreshing Campari Spritz

Looking for a light and bubbly drink to refresh your palate? Look no further than the Campari Spritz! This classic Italian cocktail combines the vibrant flavors of Campari with the effervescence of sparkling wine, creating a delightful and invigorating drink. 

Here’s all you need to know about making this refreshing cocktail:

Simple Recipe:

  • Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  • Add 2 ounces of Campari and 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco (or any good-quality sparkling wine).
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Top with 1 ounce of soda water.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or wedge.

Flavor Profile:

  • The Campari Spritz is a perfect balance of bitter and bubbly. The bitterness of Campari is softened by the sparkling wine and enhanced by the refreshing soda water. The addition of an orange garnish adds a citrusy twist to the drink, making it even more enjoyable.

Versatility:

  • The Campari Spritz is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the proportions to make it stronger or milder, depending on your liking.
  • Some variations of the Campari Spritz include adding a splash of orange juice for extra citrus flavor or substituting different types of sparkling wine to experiment with different taste profiles.

Sweet and Citrusy: Sip on a Delicious Campari Orange

Treat your taste buds to the delightful combination of sweet and citrusy flavors by sipping on a refreshing Campari Orange cocktail. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this drink is easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying on a sunny day or during a relaxing evening. 

Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering beverage:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces Campari
  • 3 ounces fresh orange juice
  • Crushed ice
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with crushed ice, creating a refreshing chill for your drink.
  2. Add 1 1/2 ounces of Campari to the glass, infusing it with its unique bitter and herbal flavors.
  3. Pour in 3 ounces of fresh orange juice, balancing the bitterness of the Campari with the natural sweetness and tang of the orange.
  4. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, bringing together the flavors in a harmonious blend.
  5. To enhance the presentation, garnish your Campari Orange with an orange slice, adding a vibrant pop of color and an additional burst of citrusy goodness.

The Campari Orange cocktail is a delightful concoction that allows the vibrant orange notes of Campari to shine through. The sweetness of the fresh orange juice beautifully complements the bitter undertones of the liqueur, creating a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience. With each sip, you’ll be treated to a perfect balance between sweet and bitter flavors, making this drink a true delight for your taste buds.

Feel free to customize your Campari Orange according to your preferences. For a lighter and more refreshing version, you can add a splash of soda water, offering a subtle effervescence to the cocktail. You can also experiment with different types of orange juice, such as blood orange or tangerine, to add exciting variations and depth of flavor.

Tropical Twist: Try a Campari Tiki for an Exotic Escape

Looking for an exotic escape in a glass? Look no further than a Campari Tiki with a tropical twist! This unique cocktail offers a refreshing and adventurous flavor profile that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Here are two delicious recipes to try:

Jungle Bird Cocktail:

  • 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
  • 3/4 ounce Campari
  • 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a shaker with ice.
  • Add all the liquid ingredients to the shaker.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

The Jungle Bird cocktail is a tiki-style drink that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and bitter flavors. The dark rum brings a rich and warming element to the cocktail, while the Campari adds a delightful bitterness to the mix. The pineapple juice and simple syrup provide a touch of sweetness, and the pineapple wedge garnish adds a tropical twist.

Campari Spritz with a Tropical Twist:

  • 2 ounces Campari
  • 3 ounces chilled Prosecco (or any good-quality sparkling wine)
  • 1 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce soda water
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  • Add Campari, Prosecco, and pineapple juice to the glass.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Top with soda water.
  • Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

The Campari Spritz with a tropical twist is a light and bubbly cocktail that showcases the vibrant flavors of Campari and pineapple. The bitter notes of Campari are beautifully balanced by the effervescence of the sparkling wine, while the pineapple juice adds a sweet and tropical element to the drink. The pineapple wedge garnish adds a pop of color and a tropical touch.

Whether you prefer the bold complexity of a Jungle Bird cocktail or the light and bubbly taste of a Campari Spritz with pineapple, both drinks offer a tropical twist for an exotic escape. So, sit back, sip, and let your taste buds take you on a journey to a far-off paradise!

Elegant and Sophisticated: Elevate Your Palate with a Campari Martini

Elevate your palate with a Campari Martini, a drink that is elegant and sophisticated. This cocktail highlights the bitterness and complexity of Campari, while the vodka adds a smooth and clean taste. The cracked ice helps dilute the bitterness, creating a refreshing experience. You can customize the drink by adjusting the proportions or adding a splash of vermouth. 

The Campari Martini is a versatile choice that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with appetizers or light dishes. Indulge in this sophisticated cocktail and elevate your taste buds.

Unique and Creative: Explore Unconventional Campari Creations

Unconventional Campari Creations to Explore: 

  • Jungle Bird Cocktail: Blend Campari with dark rum for a unique, tiki-style drink with sweet, tart, and bitter flavors.
  • Campari Tasting Notes: Experience the complex flavors of Campari, with floral and herbal aromas and a developing bitterness.
  • Artistic Legacy: Appreciate Campari’s artistic connection through its advertising campaigns and collaborations with avant-garde artists.
  • Campari Art Labels: Explore the visually appealing art labels created by international artists for Campari bottles.
  • Campari’s Ingredients: Discover the individual flavors of herbs and spices used in Campari, such as gentian root, wormwood, angelica root, wild cherry bark, and dried lemon.

Unleash your creativity and indulge in unconventional Campari creations that go beyond traditional cocktails.

By HappyFizzyHour

Happy Fizzy Hour is a blog about cocktails, wine and other tasty drinks. It's written by Tessa Sobrino, a passionate drinker who loves exploring the world of mixology to find new cocktail recipes for you to try at home. Happy Fizzy Hour features creative recipes from bartenders in different cities around the world, as well as plenty of tips on how to make your own happy hour-appropriate concoctions at home.