You can make many delicious cocktails using Campari. From classic recipes to creative new mixes, there are lots of options to try. This article will show you 15 tasty Campari drinks you can make at home.
The Negroni is a classic Campari cocktail that’s easy to make and hard to forget. You’ll need equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for this drink.
Mix the ingredients in a glass with ice and stir well. Garnish with an orange peel for a burst of citrus aroma.
The Negroni’s bitter-sweet taste might surprise you at first, but it quickly becomes a favorite. It’s perfect for sipping before dinner or enjoying on a warm evening.
Try different gins to find your ideal Negroni. Some prefer a London Dry style, while others like a more floral gin.
The Boulevardier is a sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni. You’ll love this cocktail if you enjoy whiskey and Campari.
To make a Boulevardier, mix equal parts bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass for about 30 seconds.
Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel for a zesty aroma and visual appeal.
The Boulevardier offers a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and boozy flavors. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
Try different types of whiskey to find your favorite version of this elegant cocktail. It’s a great choice for sipping on cool evenings or as an after-dinner drink.
The Old Pal is a classic Campari cocktail that offers a bold and sophisticated flavor profile. This drink combines rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari in equal parts.
To make an Old Pal, add 1 ounce each of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about 20 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. For a finishing touch, twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then use it as a garnish.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Some prefer a boozier version with more rye whiskey. Try a 2:1:1 ratio of rye to vermouth and Campari for a stronger drink.
The Garibaldi is a simple yet delicious cocktail made with just two ingredients: Campari and orange juice. It’s named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, an important figure in Italian history.
To make a Garibaldi, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in Campari and top with freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
For the best taste, try “fluffing” the orange juice before adding it. You can do this by blending it briefly or using a handheld frother. This creates a frothy texture that enhances the drink.
Garnish your Garibaldi with an orange wedge or slice. The bright orange color and refreshing taste make it perfect for sipping on warm days.
The Sbagliato is a bubbly twist on the classic Negroni. It swaps gin for prosecco, creating a lighter, effervescent cocktail.
To make a Sbagliato, fill a rocks glass with ice. Add 1 ounce each of Campari and sweet vermouth. Stir these ingredients to combine.
Top the mixture with 1 ounce of prosecco. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel or slice.
This drink is perfect for those who find a regular Negroni too strong. The prosecco adds a refreshing sparkle that balances the bitterness of Campari.
The Campari Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll need Campari, Prosecco, and soda water to make this drink.
Start by filling a wine glass with ice. Pour 2 ounces of Campari over the ice. Add 3 ounces of Prosecco and top with 1 ounce of soda water.
Gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients. For a finishing touch, garnish your Campari Spritz with a slice of orange or grapefruit.
This cocktail’s bright red color and bubbly texture make it eye-catching and fun to drink. The Campari Spritz is great for sipping before dinner or enjoying at outdoor gatherings.
Campari Tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. You’ll need Campari, tonic water, and ice to make it.
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1.5 ounces of Campari. Top it off with 3-4 ounces of tonic water.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge for extra flavor.
This drink has a nice balance of bitter and sweet. The bubbles from the tonic water add a fun fizz. It’s perfect for warm afternoons or as a pre-dinner drink.
You can adjust the ratio of Campari to tonic water based on your taste. More tonic makes it lighter, while more Campari increases the bitterness.
Campari Soda is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. You’ll love its crisp taste and easy preparation.
To make it, fill a glass with ice. Pour 2 ounces of Campari over the ice. Top it off with 4 ounces of club soda.
Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients. For extra flavor, add an orange or lemon peel. Squeeze the peel over the drink to release its oils.
This cocktail has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for sipping. Its bittersweet taste and fizzy texture make it a great choice for hot summer days.
Campari Orange is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. It’s easy to make and perfect for hot summer days.
To prepare, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of Campari. Top it off with fresh orange juice.
Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients. The bright orange color looks great in a tall glass.
This drink balances the bitterness of Campari with sweet, citrusy orange juice. It’s less intense than some other Campari cocktails, making it more approachable for new drinkers.
The Campari Mule puts a twist on the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll mix Campari with lime juice and simple syrup in a chilled mug.
Top it off with ginger beer for a refreshing kick. The result is a zingy, bittersweet drink with a spicy ginger flavor.
Garnish your Campari Mule with sage leaves and a lime or orange twist. This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings or anytime you want a crisp, refreshing drink.
Try adjusting the Campari amount to suit your taste. Less Campari makes it milder, while more intensifies the bitterness.
The Bicicletta is a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm summer days. It combines white wine, Campari, and soda water for a simple yet flavorful drink.
To make a Bicicletta, fill a glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of dry white wine and 1.5 ounces of Campari. Top with 2-3 ounces of soda water and stir gently.
Garnish your Bicicletta with an orange wheel for a pop of color and citrus aroma. This cocktail offers a balanced mix of bitterness from the Campari and crispness from the wine.
You’ll enjoy the Bicicletta as a low-alcohol alternative to stronger Campari drinks. Its bubbly nature makes it great for sipping on patios or at outdoor gatherings.
History and Origin of Campari
Campari was born in 1860 when Gaspare Campari created his signature red aperitivo. He started as an apprentice distiller in Turin, learning the craft of making liqueurs in local cafes.
In 1862, Gaspare moved to Milan and began marketing his unique formula. The vibrant red drink quickly gained popularity for its distinctive bitter flavor.
Campari’s first production plant opened in 1904, allowing for wider distribution. The brand grew steadily over the decades, becoming a staple in bars worldwide.
The iconic Negroni cocktail, featuring Campari as a key ingredient, was invented in 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni. This classic drink helped cement Campari’s place in cocktail culture.
Throughout the 20th century, Campari continued to innovate. They introduced new cocktails like the Americano in 1933 and the Campari Seltz, which became a favorite at Milan’s Bar Camparino.
Today, Campari remains a beloved ingredient in many cocktails. Its rich history and unique flavor profile have made it a timeless addition to bars and homes around the globe.
Key Ingredients
Campari cocktails rely on a few essential components to create their unique flavors. These ingredients work together to balance sweetness, bitterness, and complexity.
Campari
Campari is the star of these cocktails. It’s a bright red Italian liqueur with a bitter taste. Campari adds depth and complexity to drinks.
Campari has a strong flavor profile. It mixes notes of orange, cherry, and herbs. The exact recipe is a secret, but it likely includes citrus peels and herbs.
You can use Campari in many ways. It works well with other spirits like gin or whiskey. Campari also pairs nicely with fruit juices and sodas.
Other Common Ingredients
Many Campari cocktails use vermouth. Sweet vermouth is common in drinks like the Negroni. Dry vermouth appears in some recipes too.
Gin is another frequent partner for Campari. Its botanical flavors complement Campari’s bitterness. Some drinks swap gin for vodka or rum.
Citrus juices add brightness. Orange juice is popular, but lemon and lime work too. Soda water brings fizz to drinks like the Americano.
Sugar or simple syrup can balance Campari’s bitterness. Some recipes use fruit liqueurs for sweetness. Bitters add extra depth to some cocktails.
Campari Cocktails: Techniques and Tips
Making great Campari cocktails requires some basic skills and know-how. The right mixing methods and presentation can take your drinks to the next level.
Mixing Techniques
Start by chilling your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before use. This keeps drinks colder longer. When mixing, use fresh ice and high-quality mixers.
For stirred drinks like Negronis:
Use a mixing glass and bar spoon
Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute properly
Strain into a chilled glass
For shaken drinks:
Use a cocktail shaker with lots of ice
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
Double strain to remove ice chips
Measure ingredients precisely with a jigger for balanced flavors. Taste as you go and adjust if needed.
Presentation Tips
Use clear ice cubes or large spheres for a polished look. They melt slower too. Pick glassware that fits the drink style – coupes for up drinks, highballs for tall ones.
Garnish ideas:
Orange twists or wheels
Lemon peels
Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary
Edible flowers
Rim glasses with sugar or salt for added flair. Serve on a nice coaster or napkin. Add colorful paper straws for a fun touch.
Pre-chill glasses and ingredients for the coldest drinks. Use fresh garnishes cut right before serving. Take care with layered drinks to keep colors separate.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
