What Is Campari? Taste, Serving Ideas & Cocktails
Campari is a red Italian bitter aperitif: a drink often served before a meal, either mixed or over ice. Its intense bitter flavour makes it a useful ingredient when you want a cocktail with more bite. It is the red ingredient in a Negroni and also works in a spritz.
What does Campari taste like?
Think orange and herbs with a pronounced bitter finish. Campari’s own tasting notes also describe floral aromas and woody flavour notes. These are tasting descriptions, not a complete ingredient list: the recipe is not disclosed. Read Campari’s official product information for the brand’s description.
If you find it too intense on its own, start with a measured cocktail rather than assuming you need to enjoy it neat. Citrus, soda and other ingredients change how its bitterness comes across.
Campari vs Aperol: which should you choose?
| Your preference | Try |
|---|---|
| A pronounced bitter, orange-and-herbal flavour | Campari in a Negroni or Campari Spritz |
| A gentler, bittersweet citrus spritz | Aperol in an Aperol Spritz |
They are different aperitifs, not interchangeable names for the same drink. Aperol describes its flavour as bittersweet and citrus-led in its official product FAQ. Choose by the flavour you want, then follow the recipe for that bottle. Our Aperol Spritz guide covers the orange version.
How to make a Negroni
Makes: 1 drink · Preparation: about 3 minutes
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml London dry gin, such as Tanqueray London Dry Gin, 70cl
- 30ml sweet red vermouth
- Ice and a fresh orange slice
Pour the three liquids into an ice-filled rocks glass, stir to combine and chill, then garnish with orange. The equal-parts measures follow Campari’s Negroni recipe.
Use sweet red vermouth, rather than dry vermouth, for this version. Changing the vermouth changes the balance.
How to make a Campari Spritz
Makes: 1 drink · Preparation: about 3 minutes
- 90ml Prosecco, such as Bottega Gold Prosecco, 75cl
- 60ml Campari
- 30ml soda water
- Ice, an orange slice and a little orange zest
Add the liquids to a large ice-filled wine glass, combine gently and garnish with orange. These measures follow Campari’s official Spritz recipe. Keep the Prosecco chilled and mix just before serving.
Other ways to serve Campari
For a simple long drink, pour a measured amount of Campari over ice and add soda gradually until the bitterness suits you. An orange slice adds aroma. This is a flexible serving suggestion, rather than a fixed official recipe.
Can I drink Campari neat?
You can, but its bitterness is quite pronounced. Mixing it gives you another way to explore the flavour.
Is Campari the same as a Negroni?
No. Campari is one ingredient; a Negroni combines it with gin and sweet red vermouth.
What bottle size do you sell?
Our listing is Campari, 70cl. Check the product page for the current price and availability.
Find your next cocktail
Choose Campari, 70cl for these serves, or Aperol, 70cl for the orange spritz. Prefer lemon and an almond-like sweetness? Try our Amaretto Sour recipe.
Order bottles for UK delivery or choose collection from The Liquor Club in Brixton Village. Made your own? Tag @theliquorclub_ on Instagram.
