Long a component of classic and modern cocktails, Campari is a bitter, sweet drink with herbal and fruity notes, making it one of the most versatile of all the popular cocktails. Of course, there are classics like the Italian-born Negroni, but also more creative ones such as the Campari Mojito.
Today, we transport you into Campari cocktails: from old-school recipes that would be a little familiar to experiments for the more adventurous among you. Snuggle up at home, celebrate it with friends, but either way, one of these will make a statement.
What is Campari?
Campari is an Italian aperitif with a deep red color. Essentially bitter, it was first established in the year 1860 by Gaspare Campari. However, nowadays it has become one of the most popular cocktail drinks worldwide. The peculiar mix of herbs, fruits, and spices makes Campari separate and unique from other drinks, though its exact recipe remains undercover.
It tastes bitter, but it is well-balanced with subtle sweetness; due to that, Campari is applied in preparation of many drinks and is so rich in depth that it can easily steal the show in recipes, both very simple and elaborate.
The Role of Campari in Cocktails
Campari also really excels at balancing flavors. The bitterness is starkly, perfectly balanced with sweetness, like vermouth or fruit juices. It may be added to create a classic cocktail, such as the Negroni, or it may be part of your experimenting with modern versions. Check out some Campari Cocktails by The Epicurean Trader now!
Basic Campari Cocktails to Remember
Negroni. Perhaps the most well-known of Campari cocktails is the Negroni. The drink is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, giving it a really solid bittersweet profile.
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Stir over ice.
- Strain into a glass containing a large block of ice.
- Orange peel, for garnish.
For something different, try the Boulevardier, substituting whiskey for gin, or the White Negroni, which uses Lillet Blanc and Suze instead of vermouth and Campari.
The Negroni is a great cocktail to serve during Aperitif hour or as a precursor to dinner when you would like to awaken the palate.
Americano: If you are in the mood for something that is not much to drink then you should try the Americano: A great low-ABV drink, it is a refreshing mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water dating to the 1860s. Try out this recipe now!
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Pour in soda water and serve over ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
A perfect choice for an afternoon sipper or a laid-back evening drink when you want something easy-going but flavorful.
Campari Spritz. For a lively, refreshing drink, try the Campari Spritz. The cocktail is light, fizzed, and a perfect warm weather drink.
Campari Group - 'Aperol Spritz' Sparkling Wine Cocktail (200ML)
Here's how to make it:
- 1 oz Campari
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Pour over ice in a wine glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Tips: Use rosemary or grapefruit garnishes for a pinch of adventurous excitement added to make your presentation come alive. Or if you are too lazy to make some, try out the Campari Spritz from our store!
Creative Campari Cocktails for Special Occasions
Campari Sour End. This is the sour of the very Campari, and appealingly twisted. It hovers above citrus in its very bitter nature, making it a delight to those who enjoy tart, tangy flavors.
Ingredients required:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white for foamy texture, if desired
- Stir everything together and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
This drink will surprise and delight at a dinner party or be served in a colorful cocktail on a special day.
Blood Orange Campari Margarita End. If you're a margaritas fan, you'll want this bright, piquant take on the classic: the sweetness and tartness of blood orange juice are perfectly balanced by the bitter Campari.
Steps to follow to get the correct drink:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Stir over ice and strain into a glass.
- Salt the rim
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Perfect for summer gatherings and anyone who appreciates spicy food, whether tacos or just grilled meats.
Campari Mojito. Who needs an original when one can just twist a mojito? That's exactly what this Campari Mojito did- everything fresh minty of the original turned up drenched in the accents of slight complexity and bitterness.
Get an amazing drink without any hassle:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Rum - 1 oz Lime Juice
- Peppermint leaves to flavor up
- Muddle mint and lime juice with Campari and rum.
- Fill with soda water and ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint.
This cooling, unique drink is something for an outdoor barbecue or a laid-back get-together.
Seasonal Campari Cocktails
Winter Warmer Campari Punch. The Campari will keep everyone warm on those cozy nights of winter, of punches warm with spices and citrus, to this recipe. -
- 2 oz Campari
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves
- Boil everything together, then serve hot with sticks of cinnamon on top.
Ideal for holidays, or cold nights sitting by the fire.
Summer Campari and Grapefruit Paloma. Campari and Grapefruit Paloma-this is one of the unbeatable summer cocktails. Its flavors are zestful and tangy, really refreshing on a hot day:
- 1 oz Campari
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz Tequila Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
- Serve over ice for the best cooling effect.
It can be the best drink for some pool parties or even other celebrations to cool you down in style.
Campari DIY Cocktails à la Maison
Tips on How to Stock a Home Bar
To mix the best Campari cocktails, you're going to need more than just Campari. Stock your home bar with:
- Sweet Vermouth
- Gin, rum, and tequila.
- Fresh citrus like lemons, oranges, and limes
- Soda water and tonic water
- Mint and rosemary fresh herbs
Having these essentials on hand ensures you’re always ready to mix up something tasty.
Presentation matters a lot more when serving cocktails. Use the right glassware: the coupe for sours, the highball for spritzes, and the rocks glass for Negronis, for instance. And garnishes! Fresh herbs, citrus peels, edible flowers; garnishes can elevate a drink into something truly special.
Campari Cocktails and Food Pairing
Amazing how bitter Campari is when paired with salty and savory treats. Try your cocktails with Olives, a cheese platter - Charcuterie. These bites complement the bitter cocktail's quality by making it richer in taste. Of course, there are always the adventurous who shall no doubt balance out the bitter cocktail with some of its sweet desserts, mostly dark chocolate, for example, or fruity tarts.
Exploring Campari Beyond Cocktails
There's More to Campari than Cocktails Campari in Culinary Creations. It doesn't have to be consumed over ice! Many chefs include it to add flavor to their creations, especially when sauces or desserts are concerned. You can mix it with a glaze over roast meats, for instance, or combine it into a sorbet for a refreshing dessert.
Campari really brings cocktails alive, so you can make the classics just like they used to be made, or there's loads of scope for imaginative new cocktails. Strong flavor makes it a must have in any home bar. Please try out the recipes we have included and discover your favorites.
To get high-end Campari and other cocktail ingredients, tap here at The Epicurean Trader.
While you're at it, have a look through some of our other posts for inspiration!
The blog travels into depth in the world of Campari cocktails from the original recipe, Negroni and Americano, to more exotic approaches in the Campari Mojito. Tips are also found on stocking the home bar, pairing food with Campari cocktails, and using Campari in culinary dishes, too. Whether it is a party or just a stay at home these recipes bring in the personality to every experience.
