Campari, with its vivid red hue and distinct bitter-sweet flavour, is a staple in the world of aperitifs and cocktails. Hailing from Italy, this iconic liqueur is crafted from an infusion of herbs, aromatic plants, and fruits, creating a complex taste that features notes of bitter orange, rhubarb, and a medley of spices. Known for its role in classic aperitivo culture, Campari has a knack for adding depth and character to any drink. Let’s explore eight classic and creative cocktails that showcase the versatility of the contemporary classic that is Campari.
Negroni
The Negroni is the ultimate Campari cocktail—a bold and sophisticated drink with a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes. A mix of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, it’s a classic aperitivo that’s both strong and smooth. It all came about when Count Camillio Negroni ordered his Americano cocktail (which we’ll get to shortly), but fancied gin instead of soda. The gin adds a crisp juniper bite, the vermouth lends a mellow sweetness, and the Campari ties it all together with its signature bitterness. Served over ice with an orange twist, the Negroni is a simple drink for those who appreciate complex flavours.
Ingredients:
25ml Campari
25ml Gin
25ml Sweet Vermouth
Orange slice (garnish)
Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange twist. You’ve got yourself Campari’s most famous incarnation.
Sbagliato
Because the Negroni is such an iconic Campari vehicle, we have to include its trendy spin off – the Negroni Sbagliato, or simply "Sbagliato" (which means "mistaken" in Italian). It was born out of a happy accident when Prosecco was used instead of gin in a Negroni. The result is a lighter, sparkling version of the classic, with the Prosecco adding a delightful fizz and a hint of sweetness. It’s a bubbly, bittersweet cocktail that’s perfect for brunch or as an aperitif.
Ingredients:
30ml Campari
30ml Sweet Vermouth
30ml Prosecco
Method:
Combine Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice, top with prosecco, and gently stir to maintain all those beautiful bubbles.
Americano
Where it all began, The Americano is a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the Negroni, making it an ideal choice for warm afternoons. Combining Campari, sweet vermouth, and a splash of soda water, this cocktail offers a delightful mix of bitterness and fizz. The soda lightens the drink, making it more approachable while still delivering that distinctive Campari kick. A slice of lemon or orange adds a citrusy zest to finish. Make sure you use quality Vermouth and soda.
Ingredients:
35ml Campari
35ml Sweet Vermouth
Soda water to top
Orange slice (garnish)
Method:
Pour Campari and vermouth over ice in a glass, top with soda, and garnish with an orange slice. Voila.
Boulevardier
For those who prefer the richness of whiskey, the Boulevardier is the perfect Campari cocktail. A close cousin of the Negroni, it swaps out gin for bourbon, creating a warm, robust drink with a touch of sweetness. The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes blend beautifully with the bitter complexity of Campari and the rich sweetness of vermouth. It’s a sophisticated sipper that’s perfect for colder weather or an evening by the fire.
Ingredients:
25ml Campari
35ml Bourbon
25ml Sweet Vermouth
Orange slice (garnish)
Method:
Pre-chill the glass. In a separate mixing glass, stir everything with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Campari Spritz
For one of the simplest ways to enjoy Campari, look to the Spritz. The Campari Spritz is a bubbly, vibrant cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. This Italian classic pairs the bitterness of Campari with the effervescence of Prosecco and a splash of soda water. The result is a light, refreshing drink with a perfect balance of bitter and sweet. The Prosecco’s fruitiness complements the Campari’s herbal notes, while the soda adds a crisp, clean finish. Garnished with an orange slice, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients:
60ml Campari
90ml Prosecco
Soda water to top
Method:
Pour Campari into a glass filled with ice, add Prosecco and a splash of soda, garnish with an orange slice. Sip quick before the fizz fades!
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird is a tropical delight that brings a touch of the Caribbean to Campari’s Italian roots… all whilst being invented in 1970s Malaysia. This tiki classic blends dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to create a cocktail that’s both fruity and complex. The pineapple’s sweetness balances the bitterness of the Campari, while the rum adds depth and richness. The lime juice provides a tart, refreshing finish, making this a perfect summer cocktail. It stands out as a more unusual Campari mix because of the fruity-zesty character.
Ingredients:
45ml dark rum
20ml Campari
15ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
45ml pineapple juice
Pineapple leaf or slice (garnish)
Method:
Shake all ingredients with lots of ice, fine strain into a glass, and garnish with a pineapple wedge… or pineapple leaf… or cherry… or lime wedge – anything!
Garibaldi
Was almost lost to the history books, the Garibaldi is a simple yet delicious two-ingredient cocktail that’s all about showcasing the harmony between Campari and fresh orange juice. Named after the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, this drink is as bold and vibrant as its namesake’s red shirts. The bracing bitterness of the Campari is perfectly balanced by the sweet, pulpy orange juice, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail. It’s a great way to start your day (or night) with a burst of citrusy flavour.
Ingredients:
60ml Campari
Top up with fresh orange juice
Orange wedge (garnish)
Method:
Pour Campari over ice, top with freshly squeezed orange juice, and give it a light stir.
Old Pal
The Old Pal is a drier, more bracing take on the richer Boulevardier, swapping sweet vermouth for dry. This cocktail has a sharp, crisp character, with the rye whiskey adding a spicy warmth that’s tempered by the bitter edge of Campari and the dryness of the vermouth. It’s a drink with a bit of attitude, perfect for those who like their cocktails on the drier side. Some recipes call for a 2:1:1 ratio in favour of the whiskey, but we say start with the 1:1:1 and see how it goes – you’re a Campari lover after all.
Ingredients:
25ml Campari
25ml Rye Whiskey
25ml Dry Vermouth
Lemon twist (garnish)
Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
These eight cocktails highlight the versatility and depth of flavour that Campari brings to the table. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or bold and bitter, there’s a Campari cocktail out there for you. If you’re interested in more cocktails that show what a unique drink can do, check out our Absinthe guide!