Campari Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The Campari Tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail that combines the bitter, herbal flavors of Campari with the crispness of tonic water. It's a variation of the classic highball drink, which typically consists of a spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer.

• Origins Campari, the key ingredient, was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Italy. The drink itself gained popularity as a pre-dinner aperitif, known for its ability to stimulate the appetite.
• Popularity It's particularly favored in the warm months or in regions with a Mediterranean climate, where its bitter and refreshing taste is appreciated.
• Audience The Campari Tonic is a hit among those who enjoy bitter flavors and a less sweet cocktail experience.

The Campari Tonic has a distinctly bitter and herbal taste with a hint of sweetness from the Campari. The tonic water adds a quinine bitterness and a fizzy texture that lightens the drink. It's a balanced mix of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.

• Campari is known for its vibrant red color, which is naturally derived from carmine until 2006, when the recipe was altered to be carmine-free.
• The Campari Tonic is often associated with Italian aperitivo culture, which is a social ritual of enjoying drinks and small plates before a meal.
• Campari was originally intended as a medicinal elixir, and its bitter taste is due to the infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water.

1. Prepare the Glass
   • Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to the brim.
2. Mix the Drink
   • Pour 1.5 oz of Campari over the ice.
   • Top with 4.5 oz of Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water.
3. Garnish
   • Gently stir the mixture.
   • Squeeze an orange wedge over the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim as garnish.

• Ice: Use large ice cubes to reduce dilution and keep your drink cold longer.
• Orange Wedge: Express the oils of the orange wedge over the glass before dropping it in to enhance the aroma.
• Balance: Adjust the ratio of Campari to tonic to suit your taste. More tonic will make it lighter and less bitter.

Seafood

• Grilled shrimp or seared scallops: The bitterness of Campari pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of shellfish.

Snack Foods

• Marinated olives or salted nuts: The saltiness complements the bitter and refreshing taste of the Campari Tonic.

Italian Cuisine

• Charcuterie boards: Featuring cured meats and cheeses, which contrast nicely with the crispness of the tonic.

Citrus-Flavored Dishes

• Lemon chicken: The citrus notes can echo the orange in the cocktail.

• Tonic Water: Any quality tonic water can be used, though Fever-Tree is recommended for its clean and balanced flavor.
• Campari: While Campari is unique, Aperol can be used for a sweeter and less bitter profile.

Spicy Campari Tonic

Ingredients: Add a small slice of jalapeño to the drink. Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño slice in the glass before adding ice, Campari, and tonic. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wedge. Flavor: The spiciness of the jalapeño adds a warming kick to the drink, creating a contrasting experience to the original's cool bitterness.

Campari Tonic with a Splash of Soda

Ingredients: Add 1 oz of soda water to lighten the drink. Recipe: Pour Campari over ice, add tonic water and top off with soda water. Stir and garnish with an orange wedge. Flavor: A subtler bitterness with an extra fizz, perfect for those preferring a gentler touch on the palate.

Rosemary Campari Tonic

Ingredients: Add a sprig of rosemary. Recipe: Bruise the rosemary in your hand to release oils, then stir it in with the Campari and tonic. Garnish with an orange wedge and the rosemary sprig. Flavor: The herbaceous aroma of rosemary complements the Campari, giving the drink an earthy depth and a sophisticated twist.