15 Trendy Campari Cocktails You’ll Adore

Campari cocktails introduce a bold, bittersweet complexity that leaves a lasting impression.

The deep red aperitif brings herbal, citrus, and spice notes that contrast beautifully with fresh fruit, crisp spirits, and smooth liqueurs.

Its vibrant flavor makes it a striking addition to any drink, whether sipped before a meal or blended into a sophisticated creation.

The Origins of Campari

The vibrant history of Campari continues to shine in bars and homes worldwide today.

Its unique flavor has made this iconic aperitivo a beloved choice for many cocktails.

In 1919, Count Camillo Negroni invented the classic Negroni cocktail, firmly establishing Campari's role in cocktail culture.

By 1904, a production plant had opened to facilitate broader distribution after Gaspare Campari began marketing his original red drink in Milan just two years earlier.

The drink quickly became popular due to its distinct bitter taste, which originated from Gaspare's early apprenticeship as a distiller in Turin cafes starting back in 1860.

Throughout the decades, innovations like the Americano and the refreshing Campari Seltz emerged from this rich legacy.

Main Ingredients in Campari Cocktails

Campari cocktails rely on bold ingredients like vermouth, citrus, and bitters. These elements create a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Campari Drink Guide

Bright red and undeniably bold, Campari shines in cocktails.

This Italian liqueur carries a bitter taste that introduces depth to various drinks.

Its strong flavor profile combines hints of orange, cherry, and herbs.

The exact recipe remains a mystery, but it likely features citrus peels and unique herbs for added complexity.

Mixing Campari with spirits such as gin or whiskey enhances its character beautifully.

This liqueur also complements fruit juices and sodas perfectly for refreshing concoctions.

More Common Ingredients

Cocktails featuring Campari often include a variety of ingredients.

Sweet vermouth plays a significant role in classic drinks such as the Negroni, while dry vermouth finds its place in other recipes.

The bitterness of Campari pairs well with gin, enhancing the drink's overall flavor profile.

Citrus juices like orange, lemon, and lime provide freshness and brightness to these beverages.

For added sparkle, soda water features prominently in drinks like the Americano.

Balancing out the bitterness can come from sugar or simple syrup; fruit liqueurs and bitters further enrich some cocktails with sweetness and depth.

Perfect Campari Cocktails to Make at Home

Cocktails elevate gatherings, adding flair and excitement. Campari, with its bold flavor and vibrant color, inspires a variety of refreshing drink options.

Negroni

A classic Campari cocktail, the Negroni holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari create its distinct flavor.

Stir these ingredients with ice in a glass for a refreshing drink.

A twist of orange peel adds an aromatic touch that enhances each sip.

The initial bitterness may catch you off guard, yet it often transforms into a beloved choice over time.

Experimenting with various gins can lead to discovering personal favorites; some enjoy the crispness of London Dry while others lean towards floral notes for added complexity.

Americano

An Americano has a rich history, dating back to the 1860s when it first appeared at Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan, Italy.

This cocktail consists of equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, providing a lovely balance of flavors.

Chilled club soda adds an effervescent touch that enhances its refreshing nature.

Preparing this drink involves filling a highball glass with ice and adding 1.5 ounces each of Campari and sweet vermouth before topping it off with soda according to taste.

A gentle stir mixes everything nicely, while an orange twist serves as a flavorful garnish.

Enjoying this drink as an aperitif makes for an elegant start to any meal.

Boulevardier

A delightful cocktail, the Boulevardier combines flavors that many find appealing.

This drink features bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari in equal parts.

Mixing these ingredients with ice for about 30 seconds creates a refreshing blend.

Serving it in a rocks glass filled with ice adds to its charm, while an orange peel garnish enhances both aroma and appearance.

Adjusting the ingredient ratios allows customization based on personal taste preferences.

Exploring various whiskey types can lead to discovering an ideal version of this elegant choice for chilly evenings or post-dinner relaxation.

Jungle Bird

Created in 1978 at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton, the Jungle Bird has gained popularity for its balanced flavors.

This tropical cocktail combines dark rum with Campari, offering a delightful mix of sweet and bitter notes.

Key ingredients include pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Combining these elements in a shaker filled with ice results in an invigorating drink.

Pour this vibrant mixture into a glass full of ice cubes for refreshment.

A tiki glass adds flair while garnishing it with a slice of pineapple and cherry enhances its visual appeal.

Old Pal

Classic and sophisticated, the Old Pal cocktail highlights bold flavors.

Equal parts of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari create its unique taste.

Mixing begins with 1 ounce each of these ingredients in a glass filled with ice.

A gentle stir for about 20 seconds chills the drink perfectly before straining it into a coupe glass.

Twisting lemon peel over the top releases fragrant oils that enhance every sip; this garnish adds an elegant touch as well.

Ratios can easily be adjusted based on personal preference; some enjoy a stronger mix by using more rye whiskey in a 2:1:1 ratio for added depth.

Campari Soda

Refreshing and crisp, Campari Soda makes an excellent choice for warm days.

This cocktail is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Start by filling a glass with ice before pouring in 2 ounces of Campari.

Next, add 4 ounces of club soda to create that fizzy texture everyone enjoys.

A gentle stir blends the flavors beautifully, while adding an orange or lemon peel enhances the drink's aroma and taste when squeezed over it.

With its low alcohol content, sipping this drink feels light and delightful on any sunny afternoon.

Campari Shakerato

Refreshing and bold, the Campari Shakerato offers a unique take on traditional Italian coffee cocktails.

This drink features a vibrant red hue and a frothy top that catches the eye.

Preparing one involves filling a shaker with ice, then adding 2 ounces of Campari, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice.

After shaking vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill it well, strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

The cocktail delivers an intense bitterness that appeals to fans of strong flavors.

Adjusting the amount of simple syrup can help tailor it to personal taste preferences.

Campari Orange

Refreshing and bright, Campari Orange serves as a delightful choice for warm days.

This cocktail’s vibrant orange hue shines beautifully in a tall glass.

Bitter notes from Campari blend seamlessly with the sweetness of fresh orange juice, creating an enjoyable taste.

Preparation is straightforward; simply fill a glass with ice, pour in two ounces of Campari, and add fresh orange juice on top.

A gentle stir mixes everything together perfectly.

Less intense than other cocktails featuring Campari makes this drink welcoming for those trying it for the first time.

Campari Cosmopolitan

A unique twist on a classic cocktail comes from the Campari Cosmopolitan.

This version uses Campari instead of cranberry juice, creating a rich red hue with a hint of bitterness.

Combining vodka, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur with the Campari enhances its flavor profile.

After shaking these ingredients well over ice, pour them into a chilled martini glass for an elegant presentation.

A twist of orange peel adds an aromatic finish to each sip.

Expect something familiar yet refreshingly different from this delightful drink.

Sbagliato

A Sbagliato offers a fun twist on the traditional Negroni.

The use of prosecco instead of gin gives this cocktail a light and bubbly feel.

Begin by filling a rocks glass with ice, then pour in equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, each measuring 1 ounce.

A gentle stir combines these flavors beautifully before topping it off with another ounce of prosecco.

For an appealing finish, garnish the drink with an orange peel or slice.

This cocktail suits those who prefer something less intense than the classic Negroni while still enjoying rich flavors balanced by refreshing bubbles.

Bicicletta

Refreshing and light, the Bicicletta serves as an excellent choice for sunny days.

This cocktail features a delightful blend of white wine, Campari, and soda water.

The preparation begins with a glass filled with ice; 2 ounces of dry white wine goes in first, followed by 1.5 ounces of Campari.

Topping it off requires adding 2-3 ounces of soda water before giving it a gentle stir.

An orange wheel enhances the drink's appearance while adding citrus notes to each sip.

Offering lower alcohol content than typical Campari drinks makes this cocktail ideal for casual sipping at outdoor events or on patios.

Campari Tonic

Refreshing and easy to prepare, Campari Tonic makes a delightful cocktail.

This drink combines the bitterness of Campari with the crispness of tonic water.

Begin by filling a glass with ice cubes and pouring in 1.5 ounces of Campari, followed by 3-4 ounces of tonic water for that bubbly touch.

Gently stir the mixture to blend everything well, then add an orange slice or wedge for added zest.

Balancing bitter and sweet flavors creates a unique taste experience that's enjoyable during warm afternoons or before dinner time.

Adjusting the ratio between Campari and tonic allows personal preference to shine through; more tonic results in a lighter drink while increasing bitterness comes from adding extra Campari.

Garibaldi

Refreshing and bright, the Garibaldi cocktail features a mix of Campari and orange juice.

Named after the notable Italian leader Giuseppe Garibaldi, this drink is easy to prepare.

Begin by filling a tall glass with ice before adding Campari followed by freshly squeezed orange juice.

For an enhanced experience, fluff the orange juice using a blender or handheld frother to create a delightful froth.

An orange wedge or slice serves as an attractive garnish that complements its vibrant color.

This cocktail shines on warm days when something cool is needed for sipping enjoyment.

Campari Mule

A refreshing drink like the Campari Mule offers a delightful twist on the traditional Moscow Mule.

Mixing lime juice, simple syrup, and Campari in a chilled mug creates a unique flavor profile.

Topping it with ginger beer adds an invigorating kick that balances bitterness and spice beautifully.

Garnishing with sage leaves along with lime or orange twists enhances its visual appeal and aroma.

This cocktail shines during warm summer nights or whenever something crisp is desired.

Adjusting the amount of Campari allows for personal taste; reducing it yields milder notes while increasing it brings out bolder bitterness.

Campari Spritz

Refreshing and vibrant, the Campari Spritz shines on warm days.

The bright red color and bubbly texture make this cocktail visually appealing.

Start with a wine glass filled with ice, then pour in 2 ounces of Campari.

Follow that by adding 3 ounces of Prosecco and topping it off with 1 ounce of soda water.

A gentle stir blends the flavors perfectly, while a slice of orange or grapefruit adds a lovely garnish to enhance its charm.

Ideal for sipping before dinner or at outdoor gatherings, this drink brings an Italian flair to any occasion.

Campari Cocktail Tips

Crafting Campari cocktails involves balancing its herbal bitterness with sweet and sour notes. The right proportions enhance its vibrant, complex taste.

Blending Methods

Chilling glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes ensures drinks stay cold longer.

Fresh ice and high-quality mixers enhance the overall experience.

For stirred drinks like Negronis, a mixing glass and bar spoon work best.

Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to achieve the right chill and dilution before straining into a chilled glass.

Shaken drinks require a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shaking vigorously for 10-15 seconds creates an enjoyable texture, followed by double straining to eliminate any ice chips.

Using a jigger to measure ingredients helps maintain balanced flavors while tasting along the way allows adjustments as needed.

Tips for Presenting

Clear ice cubes or large spheres elevate any drink's appearance while melting slowly.

Choosing the right glassware enhances the experience; use coupes for elegant drinks and highballs for refreshing ones.

Fresh garnishes, such as orange twists, lemon peels, or herbs like basil and rosemary, add a special touch.

Rimming glasses with sugar or salt provides an extra flair that impresses guests.

Pre-chilling glasses and ingredients ensures drinks stay icy cold longer.

Serving on attractive coasters paired with colorful paper straws adds a playful element to your presentation.