Campari, the bright red Italian aperitif, adds a delightful bitter-sweet complexity to cocktails that can transform your drinking experience.
With its distinctive flavor profile of herbs, spices, and fruit, this versatile spirit works beautifully in both classic and contemporary drinks.
Beyond the famous Negroni and Campari Spritz, there’s a whole world of Campari cocktails waiting to be discovered.
From refreshing highballs like the Campari Tonic to sophisticated sippers such as the Boulevardier, these recipes will help you appreciate the many ways this iconic bitter liqueur can enhance your home bartending repertoire.
1. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Campari cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink that’s perfect for sipping before dinner.
To make a Negroni, mix 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari in a glass with ice.
Stir well and garnish with an orange slice or orange peel.
The beauty of the Negroni lies in its balance. The gin provides botanical notes, the sweet vermouth adds complexity, and the Campari brings that distinctive bitter flavor.
You can adjust the ratios slightly based on your preference, but the equal parts formula is traditional and creates a perfectly balanced cocktail.
2. Americano
The Americano is a classic Italian cocktail that’s simple yet sophisticated. It combines equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with soda water.
To make this refreshing drink, mix 1 ounce of Campari with 1 ounce of sweet vermouth.
Pour this mixture over ice in a highball glass. Then add soda water to fill the glass.
Garnish your Americano with an orange slice or lemon twist for a citrusy aroma. The drink has a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors.
This cocktail is perfect for warm days when you want something light but flavorful. It’s less potent than a Negroni but carries similar complex flavors.
3. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that showcases Campari’s bitter complexity. This drink is essentially a Negroni with whiskey instead of gin.
The traditional recipe calls for equal parts (1 ounce each) of Campari, sweet red vermouth, and whiskey – either bourbon or rye. Some bartenders prefer a slightly stronger version with 1.25 to 1.5 ounces of whiskey.
For the best flavor, try using quality ingredients like Buffalo Trace bourbon and Carpano Antica sweet vermouth.
The cocktail should be stirred, not shaken, and typically served in a rocks glass over ice.
You can also try a Boulevardier Spritz for a lighter variation of this sophisticated cocktail.
4. Campari Spritz
The Campari Spritz offers a more bitter alternative to its popular cousin, the Aperol Spritz. It’s simple to make and perfect for warm weather gatherings.
To create this refreshing cocktail, combine 2 parts Campari with 3 parts prosecco and 1 part soda water.
Pour over ice in a wine glass for best results.
Garnish with an orange slice to complement the bitter notes of Campari. The citrus oils from the peel add an aromatic element that enhances the drinking experience.
This vibrant red cocktail makes a stunning addition to any table and works well as both a pre-dinner drink or a refreshing afternoon sipper.
5. Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird is a tropical cocktail that combines dark rum with bitter Campari, creating a balanced and refreshing drink. This cocktail originated in Malaysia in the 1970s and has become a modern classic.
To make a Jungle Bird, you’ll need 1.5 oz dark rum, 0.75 oz Campari, 1.5-2 oz pineapple juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake well until chilled, and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
The sweetness of the pineapple juice perfectly balances the bitterness of Campari.
You can use Goslings Black Seal or a dark Jamaican rum for authentic flavor. The bright red color and complex flavor profile make this a standout in your cocktail repertoire.
6. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a refreshing twist on the classic Negroni that replaces gin with sparkling wine. This “mistaken” Negroni (sbagliato means “mistake” in Italian) creates a lighter, bubblier cocktail.
To make this drink, you’ll need equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco or other dry sparkling wine – typically 1 ounce of each.
Start by combining Campari and sweet vermouth in a lowball glass with ice, then top with prosecco. Garnish with an orange wedge or twist for a citrusy aroma.
The result is a bittersweet, lightly fizzy cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping or as an aperitif before dinner.
7. Garibaldi
The Garibaldi is a simple yet delicious cocktail that combines just two ingredients: Campari and orange juice. This drink has historical significance as it unites Campari from Northern Italy with oranges from the South.
To make a Garibaldi, fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Add 1-2 ounces of Campari and top with fresh orange juice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
For the best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice. The bright citrus flavor balances perfectly with Campari’s bitterness. Garnish with an orange wedge for a finishing touch.
This refreshing cocktail makes an excellent choice for brunch or as a light aperitif before dinner.
8. Siesta
The Siesta cocktail offers a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors. It combines tequila with Campari to create a refreshingly complex drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need tequila, Campari, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a bit of simple syrup.
These ingredients blend together to create something that tastes like a sophisticated candied grapefruit peel.
The tequila adds warmth to counter Campari’s bitterness, while the citrus juices bring brightness. It’s a simple yet elegant drink that stands out from typical Campari cocktails.
Try a Siesta when you want something tart and delicious that isn’t just another Negroni or Spritz.
9. Cardinale
The Cardinale is a sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of sweet vermouth, it uses dry vermouth for a crisper taste.
To make a Cardinale, combine 1 ounce of gin, 3/4 ounce of Campari, and 3/4 ounce of dry vermouth. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
You can garnish your cocktail with a lemon twist or wheel to add a citrus aroma. Some recipes vary slightly in proportions, but the key elements remain the same.
This elegant drink originated in Rome and makes a perfect aperitif before dinner. Its balanced bitterness and refined flavor profile will impress your guests at your next gathering.
10. Mi-To
The Mi-To (Milano-Torino) is a classic Italian cocktail that showcases Campari’s bitter complexity. This drink gets its name from the cities where its two main ingredients originate: Campari from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin.
To make a Mi-To, mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth over ice in a rocks glass. Some bartenders add a splash of soda water for a lighter touch.
You can garnish with an orange slice or twist to complement the bitter flavors. The Mi-To is actually the predecessor to the famous Americano cocktail, which adds soda water to the mix.
This straightforward cocktail is perfect when you want something simple yet sophisticated before dinner.
11. Strawberry Fields
The Strawberry Fields cocktail is a delightful mix of tequila and Campari that creates a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors. This vibrant red drink gets its name from the fresh strawberry component.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1½ oz blanco tequila, ½ oz Campari, ½ oz orgeat syrup, ½ oz lime juice, and ⅔ oz strawberry syrup.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. The bright red color makes for an impressive presentation.
You can also try a gin variation by substituting gin for tequila and adding a touch of lemon juice.
12. Campari Mint Spritz
The Campari Mint Spritz is a refreshing twist on the classic spritz cocktail. It combines the bitter notes of Campari with the cooling freshness of mint.
To make this drink, you’ll need 1 part Campari, 1 part cranberry juice, 3 parts Prosecco (or another sparkling wine), and 5 fresh mint leaves.
The preparation is simple. Muddle the mint leaves in a glass, add ice, then pour in the Campari and cranberry juice. Top with Prosecco and give it a gentle stir.
This cocktail is perfect for warm summer days. The mint adds a refreshing element that balances the bitterness of Campari beautifully.
13. Sicilian Slush
The Sicilian Slush is a refreshing frozen cocktail that puts Campari front and center. This icy drink combines Campari with gin, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
To make it, you’ll blend all ingredients with about 6 cups of ice until smooth.
The result is a vibrant, slushy cocktail with the perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes.
You can adjust the simple syrup to your taste preference. For a fancy presentation, serve it in a chilled glass with a dehydrated orange slice as garnish.
This frozen Campari creation is perfect for hot summer days when you need something cool and sophisticated.
14. Lipstick Memory
The Lipstick Memory is a festive cocktail that perfectly balances bittersweet Campari with tart cranberry juice. This combination creates a refreshing drink that awakens your palate.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, Campari, and dry sparkling wine. Some recipes also include a special cran-rosemary juice for added flavor.
The drink’s vibrant red color makes it visually appealing for special occasions. The tartness from the cranberry and the bitter notes from Campari work together to create a sophisticated flavor profile.
Try this cocktail when you want something different from the usual Negronis and Spritzes.
15. Bitter French
The Bitter French is a delightful cocktail that combines elements of a French 75 with the bittersweet allure of a Negroni.
To make this elegant drink, you’ll need 1 ounce of gin, 1/2 ounce of Campari, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup.
Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a flute glass. Top with dry sparkling wine or Champagne for that perfect fizzy finish.
The result is a beautiful ruby-hued cocktail with a gently bitter kick balanced by citrus and effervescence. It’s sophisticated yet simple to prepare for your next gathering.
16. Scotchy
Scotchy is a sophisticated Campari cocktail that blends the bitterness of Campari with the smoky depth of Scotch whisky. This unique combination creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to those who enjoy bold drinks.
17. Campari Shandy
A Campari Shandy is a refreshing beer cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. This simple drink combines the bitter complexity of Campari with the crispness of beer.
To make this cocktail, pour about 12 ounces of a light beer (like PBR, Corona, or a Belgian wheat beer) into an ice-filled glass. Add 2 ounces of Campari and gently stir.
For best results, use a chilled IPA or light-colored beer. Garnish with a wedge of orange or lime for a citrusy finish.
The Campari Shandy offers a wonderful balance between the bitterness of Campari and the effervescence of beer. It’s an easy way to transform ordinary beer into something special.
18. Christmas Spiced Negroni
The Christmas Spiced Negroni is a festive twist on the classic cocktail that brings holiday cheer to your glass. This seasonal variation uses spiced gin as its base to create a warming winter drink.
To make this cocktail, mix 1 ounce of spiced gin, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. You can make homemade spiced gin or purchase it from a store.
Garnish your drink with festive elements like a dehydrated orange slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise. These aromatics complement the spiced gin while adding visual appeal.
The charred orange garnish option adds a subtle smoky note that enhances the complex flavors of this winter cocktail.
19. Bagliore
The Bagliore is a bright and refreshing Campari cocktail that stands out with its vibrant flavor profile. Its name means “glow” in Italian, perfectly describing its luminous appearance.
To make a Bagliore, mix 1 ounce of Campari with 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice and 1/2 ounce of honey syrup. Add a splash of prosecco for effervescence.
Shake the Campari, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with prosecco and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
You’ll enjoy this cocktail as an aperitif before dinner or at social gatherings when you want something less bitter than a traditional Negroni.
20. Campari Punch
Campari Punch offers a refreshing way to serve this bitter liqueur to a crowd. This party-friendly cocktail combines Campari with fruit juices and a splash of sparkling water.
To make it, mix 1 cup Campari with 2 cups pineapple juice and the juice of 3 limes. Add 1/4 cup simple syrup to balance the bitterness.
Chill the mixture thoroughly before serving. When ready to serve, pour over ice in a punch bowl and add sliced citrus and berries. Top with club soda for effervescence.
You can adjust the sweetness level by changing the amount of simple syrup. For a stronger punch, consider adding a complementary spirit like gin or vodka.
21. Campari Sour
The Campari Sour is a refreshing twist on the classic sour cocktail format. It balances the bitter complexity of Campari with bright citrus and a touch of sweetness.
To make a Campari Sour, you’ll need 1½ oz Campari, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, and an egg white.
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass.
Some bartenders add a base spirit like gin to give the drink more depth. A 2 oz gin, ¾ oz Campari, ¾ oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup combination creates a more complex flavor profile.
Garnish with a lemon twist or orange slice to complement the bitter-sweet character of this vibrant cocktail.
History of Campari
Campari’s rich heritage spans over 160 years, evolving from a local Italian bitter to a globally recognized aperitif essential in classic cocktails. The distinctive ruby-red liqueur has maintained its secret recipe while expanding its reach across continents.
Origins in Italy
Gaspare Campari invented his signature bitter liqueur in 1860 in Novara, Italy. After two decades of experimentation, he created a distinctive formula known initially as “Bitter all’uso d’hollanda.” The liqueur’s vibrant red color and complex bitter flavor quickly gained popularity.
Gaspare opened Caffè Campari in Milan, where his creation became a favorite among locals. His son, Davide Campari, later took over the business and began commercial production, transforming it from a local specialty into a national brand.
In 1932, Campari launched the world’s first packaged cocktail – Campari mixed with soda water. Its iconic cone-shaped individual bottles, designed by Fortunato Depero, demonstrated the brand’s innovative approach to marketing.
Global Popularity
By the early 20th century, Campari had expanded beyond Italian borders, becoming available throughout Europe. The bitter aperitif gained international recognition as Italian immigrants introduced it to new markets.
The distinctive red liquid became an essential ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni and Americano. These drinks helped cement Campari’s status in cocktail culture worldwide.
Today, Campari is distributed in over 190 countries and remains a fixture in bars across the globe. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, reportedly known by only one person at any given time.
Many bartenders consider Campari a fundamental building block in their cocktail repertoire. Its unique bitter profile and visual appeal continue to inspire new drink creations while honoring its traditional Italian roots.
Key Ingredients in Campari Cocktails
Campari cocktails rely on a few essential ingredients that create their distinctive flavor profiles. The bitter-sweet base of Campari pairs wonderfully with complementary components that either enhance or balance its unique taste.
Bitters
Campari itself is a bitter liqueur, but many Campari cocktails include additional bitters to create depth. Aromatic bitters add complexity to drinks like the Negroni, where Campari already provides the primary bitter component.
When making these cocktails, you’ll find that the bitterness from Campari needs balancing elements. Sweet vermouth is a common partner, creating the perfect bitter-sweet balance in classics like the Boulevardier.
Dark rum also works surprisingly well with Campari, cutting through the bitterness while adding rich depth. This combination appears in drinks mentioned in the search results, where rum’s molasses notes complement Campari’s herbal bitterness.
Citrus
Citrus fruits are essential in Campari cocktails, providing brightness and acidity to balance Campari’s intensity.
Lime juice appears frequently, especially in rum-based Campari drinks where it adds necessary tartness.
Fresh orange pairs naturally with Campari, which itself contains orange notes. The Campari spritz often includes an orange slice as both garnish and flavor enhancer.
More unique citrus pairings include unsweetened cranberry juice, which complements Campari’s bitterness with its own tartness.
Pineapple juice creates a surprising tropical twist in Campari cocktails, its sweetness tempering the bitterness while its acidity enhances the overall experience.
Always use fresh citrus juice rather than bottled versions in your Campari cocktails.
