Campari is a bright red Italian liqueur that adds a unique bitter flavor to cocktails. It’s been around since 1860 and has become a staple in many popular drinks.

While you might know about the Negroni or Campari Spritz, there are many other tasty ways to use this versatile spirit.

You can try out 15 different Campari cocktails to expand your drink-making skills. These recipes go beyond the usual options and mix Campari with a variety of other spirits and ingredients.

From simple three-ingredient drinks to more complex concoctions, you’ll find new favorites to enjoy at home or impress your friends with at your next party.

1. Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Campari cocktail that’s easy to make and hard to forget. It combines equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

To make a Negroni, you’ll need 1 ounce each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Mix these ingredients in a glass filled with ice and stir well.

Garnish your Negroni with an orange peel twist. The citrus aroma complements the drink’s bitter and sweet flavors perfectly.

This cocktail has a bold, bittersweet taste that many people love. It’s a great choice for sipping before dinner to stimulate your appetite.

2. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic Campari cocktail that’s perfect for whiskey lovers. It’s a twist on the Negroni, swapping gin for bourbon or rye.

To make a Boulevardier, mix equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and whiskey. Stir the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

This cocktail has a rich history dating back to 1920s Paris. It was created by Erskine Gwynne, an American expat who published a magazine called “The Boulevardier.”

The Boulevardier offers a balanced blend of flavors. You’ll taste the bitterness of Campari, the sweetness of vermouth, and the warmth of whiskey. It’s a sophisticated drink that’s great for sipping on cool evenings.

3. Americano

The Americano is a classic Campari cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for sipping. You’ll need Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.

Mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice. Top it off with soda water and give it a gentle stir.

This drink has a bittersweet taste with a hint of fizz. It’s refreshing and not too strong, making it great for warm days or as an aperitif.

You can garnish your Americano with an orange slice or lemon twist for extra flavor. Some people like to adjust the ratios to suit their taste, so feel free to experiment.

4. Jungle Bird

The Jungle Bird is a tropical cocktail that mixes rum with Campari. It’s a great way to enjoy Campari’s bitter flavor in a fruity drink.

To make a Jungle Bird, you’ll need dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes. For a fancy touch, garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.

This cocktail balances sweet, bitter, and tangy flavors. The rum and pineapple juice give it a tropical feel, while the Campari adds complexity.

5. Garibaldi

The Garibaldi is a simple yet refreshing Campari cocktail. It combines Campari with fresh orange juice for a tangy and bittersweet drink.

To make a Garibaldi, fill a glass with ice. Add Campari and top with fresh orange juice. For best results, use a blender or frother to make the orange juice light and fluffy.

This cocktail is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, an important figure in Italian history. The red Campari and orange juice represent the colors of Garibaldi’s famous red shirts.

The Garibaldi is perfect for brunch or as a light aperitif. Its bright flavor and vibrant color make it a popular choice for those new to Campari cocktails.

6. Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail. You’ll need Campari, prosecco, and soda water to create this bubbly drink.

To make a Campari Spritz, fill a glass with ice. Pour in Campari, prosecco, and soda water. A common ratio is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water.

Garnish your drink with a slice of fresh orange. This adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma.

The Campari Spritz is perfect for warm days or as an aperitif before meals. Its bitter-sweet taste and fizzy texture make it a popular choice for many cocktail lovers.

7. Raspberry-Gin Fizz

The Raspberry-Gin Fizz is a fruity twist on the classic gin fizz. It combines the tartness of raspberries with the botanical notes of gin for a refreshing drink.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, and raspberry simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.

Top the mixture with club soda for a fizzy finish. Garnish your drink with fresh raspberries or a lemon wedge for extra flair.

This cocktail is perfect for summer sipping. Its bright color and fruity flavor make it a crowd-pleaser at parties or a nice treat for yourself on a warm evening.

8. Campari Shakerato

The Campari Shakerato is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. You’ll need a few basic ingredients to make it at home.

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of Campari, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice.

Shake the mixture well to chill and combine the flavors. Strain it into a chilled glass, like a Nick and Nora.

For an extra touch, you can garnish with an orange twist. This drink highlights Campari’s bold taste in a cool, zesty way.

9. Old Pal

The Old Pal is a classic Campari cocktail that packs a punch. It combines rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari in equal parts.

This drink offers a perfect balance of flavors. The rye whiskey adds spice and depth, while the dry vermouth brings a hint of herbal notes.

Campari rounds out the mix with its signature bitterness. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Some prefer more whiskey for a stronger drink.

To make an Old Pal, stir the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for a zesty finish.

10. Campari Punch

Campari Punch is a great choice for parties. You can make a big batch ahead of time. This drink is fruity and refreshing.

Mix Campari with orange juice and pineapple juice. Add some fresh lemon juice for extra tang. Sweeten it with simple syrup to balance the bitterness.

For a fizzy touch, top it off with club soda. Garnish with orange slices and mint leaves. Serve it over ice in a punch bowl or large pitcher.

Your guests will love this eye-catching red drink. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or holiday parties.

11. Campari Margarita

The Campari Margarita puts a fun twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll love this drink if you enjoy bold flavors.

To make it, mix tequila, Campari, lime juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.

This cocktail has a beautiful red-orange color. It tastes tart and slightly bitter, with citrus notes balancing the Campari’s herbal taste.

Try garnishing with a lime wheel or orange slice for extra flair. The Campari Margarita is perfect for summer sipping or any time you want a refreshing drink with a kick.

12. Sbagliato

The Sbagliato is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni. It swaps gin for sparkling wine, creating a lighter, more refreshing cocktail.

To make a Sbagliato, you’ll need Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco. Mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice.

Top it off with Prosecco and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with an orange slice for a pop of color and citrusy aroma.

This bubbly drink is perfect for warm afternoons or as an aperitif before dinner. Its lower alcohol content makes it a great choice when you want something milder than a traditional Negroni.

13. Campari Sour

The Campari Sour is a tangy twist on the classic whiskey sour. This cocktail combines Campari’s bitter notes with the tartness of fresh lemon juice.

To make one, mix Campari, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.

For extra flair, you can add a dash of egg white before shaking. This creates a smooth, frothy top layer.

Garnish your Campari Sour with a lemon wheel or orange slice. The citrus garnish complements the drink’s flavors and adds visual appeal.

This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of bitter and sour tastes. It’s a refreshing option for warm evenings or as an aperitif.

14. Paloma Rossa

The Paloma Rossa is a vibrant twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. It blends the bitter notes of Campari with the citrusy punch of grapefruit.

To make this drink, you’ll need Campari, tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and a splash of lime juice. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of soda water for some fizz. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or twist.

This cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and tart flavors. It’s a refreshing choice for warm days or as an aperitif.

15. Campari Cosmopolitan

The Campari Cosmopolitan puts a fresh spin on a classic cocktail. This drink swaps out cranberry juice for Campari, giving it a unique bitter-sweet flavor.

To make one, mix citrus vodka, Campari, triple sec, and orange juice in a shaker with ice. Shake it well and strain into a chilled glass.

Garnish your Campari Cosmo with an orange slice. The bright red color makes it look fancy and eye-catching.

This cocktail is perfect when you want something different from the usual Cosmo. It’s great for parties or a night out with friends.

History of Campari

Campari’s story began in 1860 in Italy. This bright red liqueur became famous for its unique flavor and striking color.

Origins and Development

Gaspare Campari created Campari in Novara, Italy. He spent 20 years perfecting the recipe. The exact mix of herbs and fruits is still a secret today.

Campari moved production to Milan in 1904. This helped the brand grow.

The company stayed in the Campari family for many years. They kept the original recipe secret. Campari’s popularity spread across Italy and then to other countries.

Cultural Significance

Campari played a big role in cocktail culture. It became a key ingredient in many famous drinks. The Negroni, created in 1919, uses Campari as its base. The Americano, another popular cocktail, also features Campari.

Campari’s bright red color made it stand out. Artists used it in posters and ads. These eye-catching designs became collector’s items. Campari also sponsors the International Bartenders Association. This helps keep the brand relevant in modern cocktail culture.

Flavor Profile

Campari’s unique taste comes from a blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. Its bitter-sweet profile makes it stand out in cocktails.

Botanical Ingredients

Campari’s recipe is a closely guarded secret. It includes a mix of herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit.

Some key ingredients are thought to be:

• Chinotto, a small bitter orange
• Cascarilla, a fragrant tree bark
• Rhubarb root
• Ginger

These botanicals give Campari its complex flavor. The exact mix remains unknown, adding to its mystique.

Taste Characteristics

When you sip Campari, you’ll notice:

• A strong bitter start
• Sweet notes that follow
• A hint of orange zest
• Herbal undertones

The taste is bold and can take some getting used to. It’s often described as:

• Refreshing
• Crisp
• Slightly medicinal

Campari’s flavor evolves as you drink it. The initial bitterness gives way to sweeter notes. This makes it great for layered cocktails.