Cocktails with Campari – Italian Sophistication

Chances are you’ve seen the iconic posters and perhaps a bottle sitting in your parents’ cupboard. This classic Italian aperitif is known for its bright red color and bitter, yet spicy sweet flavor. At one point, Campari actually used crushed insects for its coloring, but those days are in the past. Now, cocktails with Campari are considered a stylish and sophisticated. Campari isn’t for everybody, but it could be for you.

What is Campari?

It was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, and to this day, it’s said only three people in the world know the secret formula for this Italian favorite. We may not know the secret recipe, but we know Campari is comprised of herbs, aromatics, alcohol and water, and a cult-like fan base world over – especially throughout Italy. Campari is beloved in Milan, and it’s no wonder that Campari and fashion have a passionate, even sexy, relationship.

Two simple ways to enjoy Campari are simply “on the rocks” or with a splash of soda, but for the adventurous, here are five easy recipes for cocktails with Campari that you’ll love:

Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce gin
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1 ounce Campari
• Orange twist, for garnishing

Pour the gin, vermouth, and Campari into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.

Campari & IPA Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Campari
• 1/2 bottle (6 ounces) IPA beer
• Lemon twist, to garnish (optional)

Fill a glass with ice. Add Campari. Slowly pour in the beer. If garnishing with the lemon, squeeze the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, and rub around the rim of the glass. Drop the garnish into the glass and serve.

Campari Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Campari
• 3/4 ounce vodka
• 1 dash bitters
• Lemon twist for garnish

Americano

NOT the coffee drink, folks!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Campari
• 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
• 2 to 3 ounces club soda
• Garnish: orange wheel

Pour Campari and vermouth into an ice-filled highball glass; top with club soda. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Campari and Orange

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 ounce Campari
• Ice
• Seltzer

Combine simple syrup, orange juice, and Campari over ice. Top with seltzer.

Fun fact: It’s said that the largest per capita consumption of Campari is on the Caribeaan Island of St. Lucia where they drink it with condensed milk. Who knew?

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