Oh, when the sun is just starting to dip and you need something to really wake up your palate without being too heavy, you just *have* to reach for a Campari cocktail. Seriously, the best Campari cocktails feel like a little vacation in a glass, and nothing says “Italian summer” quite like a Campari Spritz. I remember my first one vividly – I was in this tiny trattoria trattoria in Rome, feeling absolutely parched after a day of sightseeing, and the waiter suggested it. It was pure magic! That perfect balance of bitter, bubbly, and bright citrus. It’s so darn simple but hits all the right notes, making it a total winner when you want a truly refreshing drink.
Why You’ll Love This Campari Spritz
It truly is one of my favorite go-to drinks, and you’ll see why right away:
- Seriously Refreshing: It’s the ultimate thirst-quencher! That slightly bitter, fizzy goodness is just what you need on a warm day.
- Super Simple to Make: We’re talking minutes here. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Anyone can whip this up!
- Ready in a Flash: Got unexpected guests or just craving something delicious *now*? This comes together faster than you can say “Salute!”
- Perfect Pre-Dinner Drink: It’s a classic aperitif for a reason! It whets your appetite without filling you up, making you ready for a delicious meal.
- So Versatile: Whether it’s a casual afternoon get-together or a more dressed-up evening, this spritz fits right in.
- Deliciously Balanced: The bittersweet Campari is perfectly balanced by the bubbly prosecco and a splash of soda. It’s a flavor party!
Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Campari Cocktails
Okay, so to make this absolute stunner of a Campari Spritz, you don’t need a whole lot. That’s part of its charm, honestly! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Bubbly Prosecco: You’ll want about 2 ounces of this lovely Italian sparkling wine. A dry or extra-dry one is usually best so it doesn’t make the drink *too* sweet.
- The Star, Campari: Measure out 1 ounce. This is where all that gorgeous, bittersweet goodness comes from!
- A Splash of Soda: About 1 ounce of plain club soda or sparkling water. This just adds a little extra fizz and lightens things up a bit.
- Ice, Ice Baby: You’ll need plenty of ice cubes to fill your glass. Cold drinks are happy drinks, right?
- For Garnish: A nice slice of fresh orange. It looks pretty and adds just a hint of citrus aroma.
How to Prepare This Classic Campari Cocktail
Alright, get ready for this – making a Campari Spritz is almost embarrassingly easy, but trust me, it feels so sophisticated! It’s one of those drinks where the order *kind of* matters, but not really. You can totally wing it, but here’s how I like to do it for that perfect sip every single time. Seriously, you’ll be a spritz-making pro in no time!
First things first, grab your prettiest wine glass. You know, the one that just feels good in your hand? Fill it up generously with ice cubes. Don’t be shy here; we want that drink nice and frosty!
Next, pour in your Prosecco. I usually go first with about 2 ounces. Then, add your 1 ounce of Campari – watch that gorgeous ruby red color swirl in! And for the final touch, add about 1 ounce of your soda water. This is where the magic really happens, creating those lovely little bubbles.
Now, give it a *gentle* stir. You don’t want to knock all the fizz out, just enough to combine those lovely flavors. Think of it like a little swirl, not a vigorous shake. Finally, pop in that orange slice for a little pop of color and fragrance. And voilà! You’ve just made one of the best Campari cocktails out there. Go ahead, take a sip. Ahhh, perfection! If you want even more spritz secrets, check out this handy guide!
Tips for Crafting the Best Campari Cocktails
Okay, so making a fantastic Campari cocktail isn’t rocket science, but there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make a difference. It’s all about small details, you know? If you’ve got great ingredients and treat them right, you’re already halfway there. For starters, don’t skimp on the quality of your Campari; a good brand makes a world of difference in that beautiful bitter profile. And whatever you do, use *fresh* ice! Old ice can pick up weird freezer smells, and nobody wants that messing with their drink. Trust me on this one!
What about glassware? While a wine glass is perfect for a spritz, I find that for other Campari drinks, a nice, heavy-bottomed glass makes it feel more substantial. And always, always chill your glassware if you can! It keeps your drink colder for longer. For more awesome Campari ideas, you’ve got to peek at these other Campari drinks; they’re fantastic. Oh, and for the Prosecco in your spritz, making sure it’s nicely chilled is key too! You can learn more about picking the right bubbly over on this Prosecco guide. It takes your simple spritz from good to *chef’s kiss*!
Variations on This Campari Cocktail
Now, while the classic Campari Spritz is pretty darn perfect, sometimes it’s fun to play around a little, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, or maybe just want to try something a little different, here are a couple of super easy twists. You could swap out the orange garnish for a grapefruit slice – that citrus tang is just divine with the Campari! Or, for a bit of herbiness, muddle a few fresh basil leaves at the bottom of the glass before you add the ice. Trust me, it adds this unexpected lovely aromatic note! And hey, if you’re curious about other spritz variations, check out this fun take on an Aperol Spritz; sometimes similar ideas work wonders!
Serving Suggestions for Your Campari Spritz
This spritz is basically sunshine in a glass, so it pairs perfectly with light, flavorful bites! Think classic Italian antipasti like olives, some good quality cured meats (prosciutto is amazing!), or maybe some salty taralli. It’s also fantastic with mini Caprese skewers or even just a handful of salty crackers. Honestly, any little nibble that won’t overpower its bright, bitter-citrusy flavor works wonders. It’s the ultimate drink for a leisurely afternoon get-together or as a sophisticated start to a dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Campari Cocktails
Got questions about Campari? I totally get it! It’s got such a unique flavor. Here are some things people often ask:
What is Campari typically mixed with?
Campari is super versatile! Besides the classic spritz combination of prosecco and soda, it’s awesome in a Negroni (with gin and sweet vermouth) or mixed with grapefruit juice, cola, or even just soda water. It plays well with a lot of things!
Is Campari a sweet or bitter liqueur?
Oh, it’s definitely on the *bitter* side! That’s its signature. That intense herbal bitterness is what makes Campari so distinctive and makes cocktails like the spritz so refreshing. It’s not sweet like a simple syrup, but the botanicals give it a complex flavor that isn’t harsh.
Can I make this Campari cocktail non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can totally make a “mock” spritz. Just replace the Prosecco with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even a good quality elderflower tonic water. Use plain sparkling water for the soda, and you’ll still get that bubbly, refreshing vibe without the alcohol.
Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional info for cocktails can really bounce around depending on the exact brands you use and how you mix it. But, for a typical Campari Spritz, you’re looking at around 150 calories, about 10g of sugar, and minimal fat or protein per serving. It’s pretty light stuff, perfect for enjoying!
Print
Campari Spritz
- Total Time: 2 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and simple Italian aperitif made with Campari, prosecco, and soda water.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Soda Water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the Prosecco, Campari, and soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Notes
- Adjust the proportions to your taste.
- For a sweeter drink, use a sweeter prosecco.
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Campari, Spritz, Cocktail, Aperitif, Italian, Prosecco, Soda Water, Orange