Few beverages boast a storied legacy like Campari, a celebrated bitter liqueur that has been a cornerstone in the cocktail world for over 150 years. Created by Gaspare Campari in 1860s Milan, it initially drew attention with its striking red color, achieved using crushed insects, long before the age of social media. Its unique bittersweet flavor profile, enhanced by hints of orange zest and a secret mix of botanicals, helped define the aperitivo culture across Europe.
Through the 20th century, Campari solidified its reputation by becoming a key ingredient in iconic cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano, and Garibaldi, making it indispensable in bars and homes alike. Today, it is part of a vast portfolio generating over $3.3 billion in annual sales and is available worldwide with a consistent yet evolving formulation.
If you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a classy evening at home, here are 14 of the best cocktails featuring Campari:
1. Negroni
This quintessential cocktail requires equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. For a twist, try the Café Negroni, which adds coffee liqueur for a rich depth.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz natural coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel
Directions: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
2. Boulevardier
A whiskey-forward take on the Negroni, blending bourbon with Campari and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon peel
Directions: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-cold coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
3. Suy tu Duena Cocktail
This unique drink employs fat washing for added complexity.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Sotol
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 1/4 oz Primo Aperitivo
- 3 dashes grapefruit bitters
- 3/4 oz melted refined coconut oil
Directions: Mix everything. Stir and double strain with a paper filter.
4. La Esquina Roja
A fruit-forward spritz perfect for lively settings.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
- 1/4 oz Primo apertivo
- 1/4 oz Campari
- Sparkling wine
- Grapefruit peel
Directions: Shake all ingredients (except sparkling wine), strain, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with grapefruit zest.
5. The Jungle Bird
A tropical cocktail using rum and Campari for a sweet yet bitter flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Plantation Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz El Guapo Orgeat
- 1/4 oz Demerara syrup
- Grapefruit bitters
Directions: Shake ingredients with ice and serve in a hurricane glass.
6. San Remo Cocktail
A refreshing mix with floral notes and a sophisticated finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz bourbon
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Directions: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass.
7. Bitter French
A sophisticated, citrusy cocktail combining gin and sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Plymouth gin
- 1/4 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Sparkling wine
Directions: Shake gin, lemon juice, Campari, and syrup with ice, strain, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
8. Americano
A timeless classic that’s as easy as it is refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- Chilled soda water
- Orange twist
Directions: Combine ingredients in a highball glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
9. Garibaldi
A simple but delicious combination of Campari and fresh orange juice.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
Preparation: Add Campari over ice, then top with freshly juiced orange.
10. Campari Spritz
A refreshing summer drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz dry Prosecco
- 2 oz Campari
- 1 oz club soda
Directions: Mix in a large wine glass with ice and garnish with an orange slice.
11. Milanese Gin and Tonic
A bold reinterpretation of the classic with a touch of Campari.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 4 oz tonic water
Preparation: Combine ingredients over ice and garnish with an orange slice.
12. Pegu Club 1880
A tart cocktail with a hint of bitterness to balance out the spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Directions: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
13. Campari Cosmo
A vibrant twist on the classic cosmopolitan.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz citrus vodka
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 splash triple sec
- 1 oz orange juice
Preparation: Shake all with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange slice.
14. 8 Amaro Sazerac
For adventurous drinkers, this cocktail includes a medley of Italian bitters.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 oz Averna
- 1/4 oz Amaro Ramazzotti
- 1/4 oz Aperol
- 1/4 oz Campari
- 1 dash orange bitters
Directions: Rinse a rocks glass with Green Chartreuse, combine the rest with ice, stir, and strain.
As Campari continues to inspire bartenders and drink enthusiasts alike, these cocktails highlight its fantastic versatility. Whether you’re at home or in a bar, knowing how to work with this iconic liqueur will enhance any gathering. Cheers!