Move over aperol spritz - because the campari spritz is here! This cocktail will become your go-to pre meal drink, and at just 3 ingredients, it takes no time to whip up!

Campari Spritz - it's basically an aperol spritz but with campari. Made with campari, prosecco and a splash of club soda, it's what you need come summer (or spring) to satisfy your craving for a refreshing cocktail.

I love cocktails that have campari in them (like this americano cocktail), and seriously can't get enough of them! They remind me of being in Italy, sitting outside a bar/café, and having an aperitivo with a campari cocktail in hand. Bliss! Can I go back? Like now?

What is Campari?

Campari is an alcoholic Italian liqueur that is red/crimson in color. It's alcohol content varies from between 20.5% to 28% in strength.

What does Campari taste like?

It has strong notes of citrus including grapefruit, orange, lemon, mild herbs, and light spice. Given these flavors, it is very bitter in flavor, especially when sipped on its own.

Campari vs. Aperol

The first main difference is that campari's alcohol content is much higher than aperol's. As mentioned, campari's alcohol content is 20.5% to 28% (depending on where it's sold) and aperol's alcohol content is 11%. So campari tastes much stronger and has as bolder flavor than aperol.

In terms of flavor, both have very similar flavors of orange and herbs, but aperol is sweeter and has a milder flavor than campari. Some would say aperol is more approachable than campari, especially if one is first getting started on drinking bitter liquers.

The two liquers also look different - aperol is orange in color, while campari is a deep red/crimson color.

Over all, campari is bigger and bolder than aperol in terms of strength, flavor, and appearance.

When to drink Campari Spritz?

Campari is an aperitif (aperitivo) liqueur, meaning that Italians usually drink campari cocktails before a meal. An aperitif is consumed before the meal in order to open up the palette and stimulate the appetite. Another great aperitivo drink is this Hugo cocktail or a classic Aperol spritz.

So this campari spritz is perfect cocktail to drink during the summer before a meal.

What Glass to Serve Campari Spritz in?

Since campari is stronger than aperol, this campari cocktail can be served in a rocks glass, a stemless wine glass, or even a wine glass.

How to Make Campari Spritz - Step by Step

In a rocks glass, wine glass or stemless wine glass, add 3 ice cubes. Pour campari into the glass (photo 1)

Pour prosecco into the glass (photo 2)

Top with club soda (photo 3)

Stir to combine (photo 4) and garnish with an orange.

Top Tips to Make a Great Campari Spritz:

When garnishing the cocktail with an orange, you can either place it on top of the glass as shown in the photo, or cut the orange into round slices, and drop the orange slice directly into the cocktail.
Make sure your prosecco has been chilled in the fridge for at least a few hours. This will ensure the campari spritz is cold.
Use a shot glass to measure and get the proportions of campari to prosecco to club soda just right.

Other Drink/Cocktail Recipes You Might Like:

If you’ve tried making this Campari Cocktail, or any other recipe on the blog please let me know what you thought of it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’ve been up to.

Recipe

campari spritz in a glass garnished with an orange

Print Pin

4.34 from 3 votes