Top 10 Campari Cocktails to Try
Campari cocktails bring out the best of this bitter, bright red aperitif.
Known for its ability to balance sweet and bitter with impeccable grace, Campari is a staple in many classic and modern cocktails.
From the famous Negroni to lesser-known but equally delightful mixes, Campari shines in each recipe.
Classic Negroni
The classic Negroni deserves a spot on any list of Campari cocktails.
This drink features a beautiful jewel tone and balances sweet and bitter flavors, making it an excellent choice for guests who enjoy sophisticated beverages.
Legend has it that Count Negroni invented this cocktail in 1920s Florence, Italy, seeking a stronger version of the Americano.
To prepare one, combine quality gin with Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice cubes; stir until icy cold.
Americano Cocktail
The Americano cocktail features a mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and cold club soda or seltzer water.
This drink offers a refreshing experience with its bubbly texture and layered bitter taste.
Its simplicity in ingredients hides the depth of flavor that many enjoy.
The Americano also played a role in inspiring the Negroni cocktail, which some people prefer more.
Campari Spritz
Campari cocktails often have a bitter taste, yet mixers can balance that flavor beautifully.
For a refreshing Campari Spritz, Prosecco or sparkling wine adds bubbles.
Club soda also plays an important role in this drink.
An Aperol Spritz offers a similar experience; simply swap Campari for Aperol to enjoy the difference.
Mixing the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serving over ice with an orange or lemon slice enhances both drinks visually and tastefully.
Old Pal Cocktail
The Old Pal cocktail offers a mix of sweetness and bitterness, making it an excellent choice for Campari lovers.
Dry vermouth and rye whiskey join Campari in this refreshing drink, although bourbon can be used as a substitute for those who enjoy its flavor.
After stirring the ingredients until chilled, pouring the mixture into a coupe glass adds elegance to the presentation.
A garnish of lemon peel or beautiful edible flowers enhances both appearance and taste.
Jungle Bird
A refreshing blend of flavors defines the Jungle Bird cocktail.
This drink combines dark rum, pineapple juice, Campari, fresh lime juice, and Amaretto or another almond liqueur.
Sweet pineapple balances the bitterness of Campari beautifully.
The mixture offers a experience with its tartness and fruity notes.
Serve it over ice in a cocktail glass and finish with garnishes like a cherry, lime wedge, and pineapple slice for an appealing presentation.
Campari & Orange (Garibaldi Cocktail)
A refreshing fruity cocktail awaits with the Garibaldi.
This drink gets its name from Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian general known for unifying Italy in 1871.
Popular at New York City’s Dante bar, it combines Campari and fresh orange juice for a taste.
For a bolder flavor, blood orange juice can be used instead of regular orange juice.
Whisking the juice until frothy creates a perfect texture; pour it over ice with Campari and finish off with an orange slice garnish for that extra flair.
Siesta Cocktail
The Siesta cocktail features a mix of Campari, tequila, and fresh citrus flavors.
This drink balances a subtle bitterness with the sweetness of grapefruit juice and simple syrup.
Created by bartender Katie Stipe in New York in 2006, it has become a favorite for those who enjoy complex tastes.
Making simple syrup at home is easy, or you can purchase it from the store for convenience.
After shaking all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a glass with salt on the rim and finish off with grapefruit twist and lime wedge as garnish.
Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier cocktail features just three ingredients yet delivers an impressive experience.
Sweet vermouth, Campari, and bourbon or rye whiskey combine to create this drink.
Originating in the 1920s, it is often linked to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
American writer Erskine Gwynne lived there during that time and launched a magazine called the Boulevardier.
This cocktail reflects a rich history intertwined with creativity and culture from its Parisian roots.
Bicicletta Cocktail
Cocktails made with wine can be a choice.
The Bicicletta cocktail, a classic Campari drink, mixes Campari with sparkling water and dry white wine.
Selecting a white wine that you enjoy drinking on its own enhances the experience; options like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio work well.
Quality doesn't have to come at a high price; just ensure it’s something you appreciate since the cocktail contains at least 4 ounces of it.
Serve this refreshing drink in an elegant glass filled with ice and add some orange slices for garnish to elevate its appeal.
Mezcal Negroni
A Mezcal Negroni offers a smoky twist on the traditional drink.
This cocktail combines Campari, sweet vermouth, and high-quality Mezcal instead of gin.
A good choice for Mezcal is one that falls in the mid to higher price range for better flavor.
Serving it in a rocks glass filled with fresh ice enhances the experience.
The balance between bitter Campari and sweet vermouth creates an enjoyable taste that stands apart from its classic counterpart.