[dropcapIs there anything more refreshing than bubbles and the bitter bite of orange and cinnamon? Mouth-watering flavors without excessive sweetness make the Campari Spritz the perfect refreshing cocktail to drink pre-dinner. This easy cocktail only calls for three ingredients and three minutes of prep time! You can definitely spare three minutes to make this Italian cocktail. Just slip into your Versace knock-off jumpsuit and try this cocktail recipe!
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What Is Campari?
Campari liqueur was invented in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1860's. Mostly associated with the popular Negroni and Americano Campari cocktails, Campari tastes bitter but also slightly sweet with flavors of cherries, cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel. The alcohol content hovers around 24% ABV. The Americano and the Negroni both call for sweet vermouth so a Campari Spritz is a great way to enjoy the Campari flavor without the added alcohol.
The Campari Spritz is similar to the Aperol Spritz. Aperol was invented about 60 years after Campari. Aperol's recipe is similar to Campari but sweeter and softer with a lower alcohol content and herbs added in for that aperitif flavor. Or, as they say in Italy, aperitivos, meant to drink before your meal to get those tastebuds revved up.
The Campari spritz cocktail will become your favorite hot weather drink. Hand them out to your guests before the BBQ as a unique pre-dinner ice breaker. Versace knock-off jumpsuit optional, but highly recommended.
How To Make a Campari Spritz
You'll need these 3 things: Campari, a sparkling wine, and club soda (aka soda water or sparkling water of your choice).
Traditionally you'll want to use the Italian sparkling wine Prosecco. It's delicious and inexpensive, but if you have a bottle of champagne that you really want to pop instead, go for it!
Using a wine glass or large rocks glass, fill it with ice cubes and add 2 ounces Campari. Add 3 ounces Prosecco (or sparkling wine), and top with an ounce or so of sparkling water. That's the spritz part! Stir and garnish with a lemon wedge or orange slice. Stick a straw in your Campari Spritz and start sipping!
Variations on the Campari Spritz include the Negroni Sbaglioto. It's easy to make. It's just equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco.
Also give the Americano a try. One ounce Campari, one ounce sweet vermouth, and four ounces of sparkling water make this cocktail. The sparkling water helps keep it lighter, making this is a good afternoon sipper.
More Spritz Recipes To Try
Many liqueurs can be used in the same way as a Campari Spritz. Substitute Campari with darker Amaro for flavors of herbs and licorice. Try St. Germain to make an elderflower flavored spritz. Lillet Blanc, the French aperitif, makes an orangey herbal spritz that will wow your friends.
