The Campari Spritz is an iconic Italian aperitif cocktail that'll wake up your taste buds. You'll start with chilled dry prosecco, then add a splash of bitter Campari and some fizzy soda water. Top it off with a fresh orange slice for a vibrant, balanced sipper. Dating back to 1860, this cocktail connects to Italy's aperitivo culture – the perfect way to whet your appetite before a delicious meal. Adjust the Campari to your preference, whether you like it a little sweeter or more bitter. Keep reading to discover how you can craft this refreshing classic at home.
History
Although the Campari brand was established in Italy in 1860 by Davide Campari, who created the iconic bitter liqueur that bears his name, the Campari Spritz, a modern twist on the classic spritz cocktail, has gained popularity in recent years, often overshadowing the sweeter Aperol Spritz.
Campari's vibrant red color originally came from crushed insects, but today it uses artificial coloring, a practice common in many spirits.
The Campari & Soda, served at the historic Camparino in Galleria since 1915, is considered one of the earliest cocktails made with Campari, showcasing its long-standing cultural significance in Italian aperitivo culture and cocktail recipes worldwide.
Recipe
To make a refreshing Campari Spritz, begin by filling a large stemmed wine glass halfway with ice.
Then, add 3 ounces of chilled dry prosecco, followed by 1 ounce of Campari and 1 ounce of chilled soda water.
Stir the mixture gently to combine, preserving the bubbles from the sparkling wine.
Finally, garnish the drink with a fresh orange slice for added flavor and visual appeal.
The Campari Spritz is best enjoyed immediately while still bubbly, making it an ideal pre-dinner drink for social gatherings or warm weather occasions.
This cocktail yields approximately 231 calories per serving, making it a relatively light option for cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled dry prosecco
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz chilled soda water
- Fresh orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a large stemmed wine glass halfway with ice.
Add the prosecco, Campari, and soda water, and stir gently to combine while preserving the bubbles.
Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Tips:
Adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.
The Campari Spritz is best consumed immediately for maximum effervescence and enjoyment.
Cooking Steps
First, fill a large glass halfway with ice to keep your Campari Spritz nice and chilled.
Next, pour in 3 ounces of crisp, dry prosecco followed by 1 ounce of Campari for a balanced flavor.
Finally, top it off with 1 ounce of bubbly soda water, gently stirring to combine everything while preserving those delightful bubbles.
Don't forget to garnish with a fresh slice of orange for a pop of color and citrusy aroma.
Step 1. Fill Glass With Ice
Start by filling your glass about halfway with large, fresh ice cubes. This will prevent the sparkling Campari Spritz from rapidly melting, ensuring your Italian cocktail stays cold and refreshing.
The evenly distributed ice cubes will create space for the Campari and Prosecco, allowing the vibrant colors and bitter flavor to shine. For an even more elevated presentation, consider using clear ice, which will resemble the high-end offerings you'd find at a trendy bar.
Remember to avoid using previously melted or cloudy ice, as it can detract from the overall aesthetic of your Campari Spritz.
Step 2. Add Campari
With the ice in place, it's time to add the Campari. Pour 1 oz. of the bitter liqueur into the wine glass, letting it settle at the bottom.
This gives the Campari Spritz its signature crimson hue and bold flavor. Stir the Campari briefly to combine it with the ice, being careful not to lose the carbonation of the sparkling water you'll add next.
The amount of Campari used can be adjusted to your taste – less for a sweeter drink, more for a more bitter profile.
Always layer the ingredients, starting with the Campari, then topping it with the sparkling water for the best Campari Spritz presentation.
Step 3. Add Sparkling Wine
After adding the Campari, it's now time to pour the sparkling wine.
Begin by selecting a high-quality dry Prosecco, ideally in the $10-20 price range, to complement the bitterness of the Campari. The sparkling wine should be added first to help preserve the bubbles when combining with other ingredients.
Pour 3 oz. of chilled Prosecco into the glass filled with ice to create the base of the classic Campari Spritz. For a more balanced flavor, consider using brut or extra brut Prosecco to avoid excessive sweetness.
Ensure the Prosecco is chilled prior to pouring, as this enhances the overall refreshment of the drink.
Step 4. Top With Orange Slice
The orange slice garnish not only adds visual appeal to the Campari Spritz but also enhances the drink's flavor profile with a hint of citrus.
To prepare, simply cut a fresh orange into wedges, ensuring they're large enough to sit comfortably on the rim of the glass. Squeezing the orange slice into the drink before serving can release additional juices that complement the bitterness of the Campari.
When garnishing, place the orange slice on top of the drink to allow for easy access and to maintain the drink's aesthetic.
Experimenting with different citrus garnishes, such as grapefruit or lemon, can provide unique flavor variations to the classic Campari Spritz.
Step 5. Garnish With Orange Slice
To garnish the Campari Spritz, cut a fresh, ripe orange into thick wedges. These bright red slices add visual appeal and a complementary citrus flavor to the classic Campari Spritz.
For an extra burst of aroma, twist an orange peel over the glass before placing the garnish. This releases the essential oils, further enhancing the drink's flavor profile.
You can even give the orange slice a gentle squeeze to release its juice, which will add brightness and acidity to the soda-based cocktail.
The garnish not only looks great but also contributes to the overall taste experience, making it an essential part of the Campari Spritz.
Final Thoughts
While the Campari Spritz may not be as widely known as its Aperol-based counterpart, its unique flavor profile and connection to Italian aperitivo culture make it a worthy option for discerning cocktail enthusiasts.
Blending the bitterness of Campari with the effervescence of prosecco and soda water, this aperitif cocktail offers a complex and refreshing experience. The garnish of an orange slice not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the herbal and citrus notes, providing a delightful balance.
Whether enjoyed as a pre-dinner sipper or a casual summer refresher, the Campari Spritz is a testament to the Italians' appreciation for quality aperitifs. Its bold, yet approachable, taste is sure to captivate those seeking a memorable cocktail experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz?
The key difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Campari Spritz is the liqueur used.
Aperol has a sweeter, more rounded flavor with hints of orange, while Campari has a complex, herbal, and fruity taste.
Aperol also has a lower alcohol content at 11% ABV compared to Campari's 20.5-28% ABV.
The color of the cocktails also differs, with Aperol's vibrant orange hue versus Campari's bright red.
Both make refreshing, bubbly drinks, but the flavor experience will be quite different.
How Do You Make a Campari Spritz?
To make a Campari Spritz, start by adding ice to a wine glass.
Next, pour in 3 ounces of chilled sparkling wine, then 1 ounce of Campari, and finally 1 ounce of chilled club soda.
Gently stir the ingredients to combine them while keeping the bubbles.
Garnish with an orange slice for added flavor and presentation.
What Is a Campari Made Of?
Campari is an Italian liqueur made from a secret blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. The primary ingredients include water, alcohol, sugar, and various botanical extracts.
While the exact recipe is kept under lock and key, Campari's vibrant ruby-red color was historically derived from crushed insects, though it now uses artificial coloring.
With an alcohol content ranging from 20.5% to 28% ABV, Campari packs a punch and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails like the Negroni.
Does Campari Taste Like Aperol?
You're right, Campari and Aperol do have quite different tastes.
While Campari has a bold, bitter profile, Aperol is sweeter and more rounded.
Campari packs a stronger punch at 20-28% ABV, whereas Aperol is lighter at 11% ABV.
Campari also has more complex herbal and fruity notes, like cherry and clove, while Aperol leans into orange and rhubarb flavors.
So, in short, no, Campari doesn't taste much like the sweeter, less bitter Aperol.
It's a matter of personal preference which you'll enjoy more.
Conclusion
The Campari Spritz is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, with a balanced bittersweet flavor that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just starting out, this spritz is sure to become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of bitter and sweet in every sip! To make a Campari Spritz, you’ll need Campari, prosecco, and soda water. Simply pour 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water over ice in a wine glass, and give it a gentle stir. It’s a classic amaro spritz recipe that never fails to impress. So, next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail, reach for the Campari and whip up a refreshing spritz. Cheers!
In the vast and diverse world of coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea, Olivia has found her calling. As an author and a dedicated coffee and tea aficionado, her work for Cappuccino Oracle reflects her profound love and understanding of the intricate complexities found within these beverages. Olivia’s passion for the subject serves as both a catalyst for her creativity and a connection point with her audience.
