Campari Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Campari Spritz Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:10%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Campari Spritz is a popular Italian aperitif cocktail that originated in the Veneto region of Italy. It is a variation of the classic Aperol Spritz, which is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. The Campari Spritz is a more bitter version, using Campari instead of Aperol. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings and is often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink.

  • The Campari Spritz is a popular choice among those who appreciate bitter flavors and enjoy a refreshing, effervescent cocktail.
  • It is often served in a wine glass with ice and a slice of orange or grapefruit as garnish.

How Campari Spritz Tastes?

The Campari Spritz is a bitter, refreshing, and effervescent cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The bitterness of the Campari is balanced by the fruity flavors of the Prosecco and the slight sweetness of the soda water.

Interesting facts about Campari Spritz

  • Campari is a famous Italian liqueur known for its bitter taste and bright red color.
  • The Spritz is a family of cocktails that originated in Italy, with the Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz being the most popular variations.
  • The Campari Spritz is often enjoyed as an aperitif, which is a pre-dinner drink meant to stimulate the appetite.

Ingredients

  • Campari: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Prosecco: 3 oz(90ml)
  • Soda water: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Orange or grapefruit slice: 1
  • Ice: as needed

Campari

Campari is the soul of the cocktail, providing a distinctive bitter flavor and radiant red color. At 2oz, it balances the sweetness of the Prosecco and the dilution from the ice and soda. If you go overboard with Campari, it can overpower the drink; too little, and you'll lose the iconic bitterness that defines it.

Alex Green

Prosecco

The Prosecco's role at 3oz is to add lightness, effervescence, and a touch of sweetness. Swap out the Prosecco for a dry sparkling wine if needed, which could introduce some interesting regional flavors but maintain the bubbly experience.

Emma Rose

Soda Water

A mere 1oz of soda adds a refreshing fizziness, stretching the drink without masking flavors. Skipping soda may result in a stronger, less balanced beverage.

Mary Mitkina

Orange or Grapefruit Slice

Garnish adds a sweet, citrus aroma and a classy touch. Lemon could be a substitute, though it's less sweet and more tart.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice keeps your drink cool and dilutes the mixture slightly as it melts, taming the bold flavors and ensuring a smooth sip every time.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Campari Spritz Drink

  1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
  2. Add 2oz of Campari to the glass.
  3. Pour in 3oz of Prosecco.
  4. Top with 1oz of soda water.
  5. Gently stir to combine.
  6. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit.

Pro Tips

  • Use a large wine glass to allow for proper dilution and to showcase the beautiful color of the cocktail.
  • Make sure to use fresh, chilled Prosecco for the best taste and effervescence.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Olives or salty nuts complement the bitterness of the Campari.
  • Cheese plates: Choose aged and bold cheeses to pair with the Campari Spritz.
  • Prosciutto or other cured meats work well with the effervescence of Prosecco.

Main Courses

  • Seafood dishes, such as shrimp scampi or grilled fish, match the light and refreshing nature of the spritz.
  • Pizza, especially with arugula and prosciutto, allows the acidity in the cocktail to cut through the richness.
  • Pasta with a cream sauce benefits from the bubbly and crisp nature of this cocktail.

Desserts

  • Citrus desserts, like lemon tarts, enhance the citrus notes in the drink.
  • Berry fruit salads provide a sweet contrast to the bitter and sweet elements of the spritz.

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What you could change in Campari Spritz

  • Aperol can be used instead of Campari for a sweeter, less bitter version of the cocktail.
  • Any sparkling wine can be used in place of Prosecco, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

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And of course - twists🍹

Cynar Spritz

Replace Campari with Cynar for an earthier and slightly more bitter taste. The artichoke-based liqueur will provide a herbal undertone to the spritz:

  • 2oz Cynar
  • 3oz Prosecco
  • 1oz Soda water
  • Orange slice for garnish Stir and serve on ice.

Rosé Spritz

Use a dry rosé sparkling wine instead of Prosecco for a twist with a more floral and berry-like profile:

  • 2oz Campari
  • 3oz Dry rosé sparkling wine
  • 1oz Soda water
  • Grapefruit slice for garnish Stir and serve on ice.

Elderflower Spritz

Add 1/2oz of elderflower liqueur to introduce a sweet, floral bouquet that softens the bitterness of the Campari, creating a more mellow spritz:

  • 2oz Campari
  • 2.5oz Prosecco
  • 1/2oz Elderflower liqueur
  • 1oz Soda water
  • Lemon slice for garnish Stir and serve on ice.

In case you forgot basics how to make Campari Spritz

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Campari Spritz

What are other popular Italian cocktails?

Aside from the Campari Spritz, other popular Italian cocktails include the Negroni, Bellini, Americano, and the classic Martini.

What's the best time to enjoy a Campari Spritz?

While the Campari Spritz is most commonly enjoyed as an aperitif, you can sip it any time of day. It's also a popular choice for summer picnics or brunches.

What foods pair well with a Campari Spritz?

Appetizers such as olives, cheese, and salumi, or seafood dishes like fried calamari or shrimp scampi pair well with the bitter, refreshing flavors of the Campari Spritz.

Can I prepare a batch of the Campari Spritz for a party?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for larger servings. However, remember to add the soda water just before serving so your spritz remains effervescent.

Can the Campari Spritz be made alcohol-free?

There's no direct non-alcoholic substitute for Campari, but you could use a bitter, non-alcoholic aperitif such as Crodino. Replace the Prosecco with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling water.

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