Light & Refreshing light, citrusy aperitivo
Campari
Iconic Italian bitter aperitif
Historical Context
Created in Novara in 1860, quintessential aperitivo
What Does Campari Taste Like?
Boldly bitter, led by orange peel and a complex weave of herbs with a faint cherry note. The bitterness is assertive and lingering, with a dry quinine edge — the benchmark other red bitters are measured against.
Recipes with Campari
Americano
Low-ABV aperitif with Campari
Bicicletta
Milanese aperitivo of Campari and dry white wine topped with soda
Campari Macerated Strawberries
Fresh strawberries macerated in Campari and sugar — an Italian summer dessert
Milano Julep
A julep built on red bitter instead of bourbon, over crushed ice
Negroni
Italian aperitif cocktail with Campari
Sbagliato
Negroni variation with Prosecco instead of gin
Guides
FAQ
What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?
Campari is stronger (25% ABV vs 11%), more bitter, and a deeper red. Aperol is lighter, sweeter, and more approachable. Campari is used in Negronis and Boulevardiers. Aperol is famous for the Spritz. They are not interchangeable but share the Italian aperitivo tradition.
What cocktails use Campari?
Campari is the defining ingredient in the Negroni (with gin and sweet vermouth), the Boulevardier (with bourbon and sweet vermouth), and the Americano (with sweet vermouth and soda). It is also served on its own with ice and an orange slice as a classic Italian aperitivo.
Is Campari an acquired taste?
Yes. Campari's intense bitterness is unfamiliar to many people on first taste. The Aperol Spritz or an Americano with extra soda are gentler introductions to the Italian bitter aperitivo style. Most people who persist find that the bitterness becomes deeply satisfying.
What can I substitute for Campari?
Other red bitter aperitivi fill the role: Aperol is lighter and sweeter (expect a gentler Negroni), while Cappelletti and Contratto Bitter sit closer to Campari's weight with softer edges. Each shifts the balance of a Negroni or Spritz, so adjust proportions to taste.
What is Campari made of?
Campari guards its exact recipe, but the base is a blend of bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit infused in alcohol and water. Bitter orange leads. It pours its signature deep red at 25% ABV. Gaspare Campari created it near Milan in 1860, and it defines the Negroni.
Related Liqueurs
Bottles that share a flavor profile