Classic Campari Cocktails Timeless Mixes to Savor

Classic Campari Cocktails, Campari stands out in any bar with its bold red color and unique taste. The Classic Negroni, born in 1919, and the bubbly Campari Spritz are just two examples. They show how Campari cocktails bring joy to every moment. This piece will guide you through six top Campari drinks, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.

Campari’s role as an aperitif is key, meant to be sipped before or after meals. Explore old favorites like the Negroni Boulevardier, a twist on the Negroni with whiskey instead of gin. Or try the Campari Rosita, adding Reposado tequila for a hint of Mexico. Let these cocktails take your tastebuds to Tuscany or the historic home of Campari.

Key Takeaways

• Classic Campari Cocktails, Campari’s history begins in 1860 near Milan with Gaspare Campari.
• Classic Negroni, invented in 1919, remains a favorite in Campari recipes.
• The Negroni Boulevardier introduces whiskey, diverging from the traditional gin-based Negroni.
• The Campari Spritz combines Campari, Prosecco, and soda water for a refreshing mix.
• The Campari Rosita infuses 1.5 ounces of Reposado tequila, a spirited Mexican twist on traditional Campari cocktails.
• Embrace the summer with the light effervescence of a Campari Spritz.
• Campari & Soda has a century-long legacy, favored at The Camparino in Galleria.

The Rich History of Campari

The story of Campari started in 1860 in Novara, near Milan. Gaspare Campari’s experiments led to the creation of this famous Italian drink. It quickly won hearts with its unique taste. With its bright red color and rich flavor, it stands out. It has a mix of over 60 ingredients, like quinine and orange peel.

Crafting Campari’s special formula brought it into famous cocktails. Since the early 1900s, Campari has been key in well-loved drinks. Its first production plant in 1904 marked a turning point, solidifying its place. Now, Campari takes care of more than 50 famous brands besides its namesake, like Aperol and Grand Marnier.

Campari’s secret mix creates its unmistakable taste. It’s a favorite for aperitifs, not just in Italy but around the globe. Famous cocktails like the Negroni and Campari Spritz showcase its versatility. These drinks are loved in bars everywhere, showing Campari’s lasting influence.

Started in Novara, Campari is now a huge name worldwide. Its journey showcases ongoing creativity and appeal. Campari remains a top choice for many who enjoy quality, iconic drinks.

Classic Negroni A Timeless Favorite

The Classic Negroni dates back to 1919 and is a must-have Campari-based cocktail. I discovered this drink at my brother’s place ten years back. It’s still a favorite because of its unique and bittersweet taste.

Ingredients

To make this classic drink, gather these ingredients:

• 30ml London dry gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel for garnish

Directions

Here’s how you can craft the perfect Negroni:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to mix and chill well.
4. Then, strain it into a chilled cocktail glass or over an ice cube.
5. Add an orange peel on top. First, squeeze it to spray the oils, then drop it in.

Experts say the key is to stir it right for a balanced taste. Also, keep your sweet vermouth cold. This keeps the drink rich and tasty.

Negroni Boulevardier: A Whiskey Twist

The Negroni Boulevardier is a smart whiskey twist on the Negroni classic. Erskine Gwynne created it in the 1920s in Paris. This cocktail switches gin for bourbon or rye whiskey. It blends the smoothness of a Manhattan with Campari’s bite nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• Ice cubes
• Citrus garnish (such as a twist of orange peel)

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and Bourbon or Rye Whiskey.
3. Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into an old fashioned, rocks, or lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a twist of citrus peel for an added aromatics kick.

The Negroni Boulevardier delights with each taste. It shows off bittersweet, dry, and warm flavors. This makes it great for cold nights by the fire.

Getting the ingredient mix just right is key for the perfect Boulevardier. Bartenders keep trying new twists to suit different tastes. This keeps the whiskey twist on old classics fresh.

Refreshing Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is perfect for summer. It’s great for socializing and eating outside. This vibrant cocktail is light and refreshing. It mixes Campari, Prosecco, and club soda easily.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of Campari
• 3 ounces of dry Prosecco
• 1 ounce of club soda
• An orange slice for garnish
• Reusable straws for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Fill a large stemmed wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in 2 ounces of Campari.
3. Add 3 ounces of dry Prosecco.
4. Top off with 1 ounce of club soda.
5. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.
7. Serve with a reusable straw.

This Campari Spritz is simple and budget-friendly.

It costs between $10-20.

The cocktail has only 204 calories. So, it’s a light choice for hot summer days.

To make it less bitter and more fruity:

• Use half Campari and half Aperol.
• Or, add blood orange juice or passion fruit liqueur.

Now it’s a unique, refreshing mix.

Pair this Campari cocktail with tasty appetizers for a perfect summer snack.

Enjoy this delightful Campari Spritz. Mix and mingle with its classic Italian flavor at your next summer event.

The Iconic Jungle Bird

The Jungle Bird cocktail was born in 1978 at The Hilton hotel’s Aviary Bar in Kuala Lumpur. Expert bartender John J. Poister mixed Campari’s bitter taste with sweet pineapple and dark rum. This blend gives us a drink that is both refreshing and beautiful.

This cocktail is loved around the globe. Particularly, it’s a hit in New York City, the U.S., and Europe. It has grown in popularity in the craft cocktail scene thanks to its unique blend.

New Orleans’ Tiki expert, Jeff Berry, is a big reason for the drink’s fame. He shared his own twist, Paul Of The Jungle, which got people hooked. The cocktail can be found in many tropical bars today, often with personal twists to make it even more interesting.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz dark rum (Jamaican or blackstrap)
• 1 ½ oz pineapple juice
• ¾ to 1 oz Campari
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup or maple syrup

Directions

1. Combine rum, pineapple juice, Campari, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a pineapple leaf or cherry to mimic the feathers of a bird.

The Jungle Bird is more than just a tasty drink. It brings a bit of the tropical tiki bar vibe wherever it’s served. Enjoy it at top spots like Latitude 29 in New Orleans or make it at home.

Every sip is a mix of sweet, tart, fruity, and bitter. It feels like a mini vacation in every glass.

Campari & Soda The Quintessential Aperitivo

Campari & Soda has been around for almost 90 years. First made in 1932, it’s known for its bright red look. This simple, yet elegant drink captures the heart of the Italian aperitif culture.

In 1915, it became a hit at The Camparino in Galleria, Milan. The bottle’s design, by Davide Campari and Fortunato Depero, is now famous. It mixes the beauty of art and design with a favorite drink.

Campari Soda tastes of citrus and herbs, leading to a refreshing finish. Mixing one part Campari and two parts soda makes a lively cocktail. It’s a treat for anyone loving the taste of Campari.

Ingredients

• 1 part Campari
• 2 parts soda water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon or orange slice for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour one part Campari over the ice.
3. Add two parts soda water, stirring gently to mix.
4. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice.

Campari & Soda is key to Milan’s aperitivo scene. It brings the Milanese spirit to your own home. For more on this beloved drink, check out the official Campari page. Learn about its history and how it’s been cherished over time.

Campari Rosita: A Tequila Fusion

The Campari Rosita mixes the spiciness of tequila with Campari’s bitter taste. This combination creates a unique campari tequila cocktail. It stands out for people who love trying new cocktails. Making a Campari Rosita ensures you have a unique drink in your collection.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 0.5 oz Campari
• 0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• Orange twist for garnish
• Ice

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add tequila, Campari, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Angostura Bitters.
2. Stir well until cold.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Add an orange twist on top. This boosts the aroma and adds a hint of citrus.

This Campari Rosita recipe mixes Italian and Mexican styles to create a must-try cocktail. It’s perfect for those looking for a new twist on campari drinks.

Negroni Sbagliato: A Sparkling Variation

Over the past five years, the Negroni has become very popular, especially with young people. The Negroni Sbagliato is a unique version. It swaps the gin in the classic recipe with prosecco or sparkling wine. This change makes it lighter and bubbly; perfect for those who enjoy fizzy drinks with great flavor.

The Negroni Sbagliato cocktail is beloved for its simple recipe. You mix sweet red vermouth, Campari, and prosecco in equal amounts. It’s often served over ice in rocks glasses. An orange wedge or peel tops it off. For a bit more sparkle, use 2 ounces of prosecco.

This twist on the classic Negroni adds a fun, festive touch. It’s great for parties or quiet times at home. To learn more and get inspired to make your own, check out a guide here. Whether celebrating with friends or enjoying a solo drink, the Negroni Sbagliato will surely impress.