Campari Spritz

Ratings: from .

PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Spritz

Great for

After Work

Difficulty

Easy

Two bright red Campari Spritz cocktails with blood orange garnish

The Campari Spritz is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail that’s been enjoyed by Italians for ages. This classic aperitif is made with just three simple ingredients: Campari, Prosecco, and soda. Its bold and bittersweet flavor profile has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Whether you’re sipping them on a sunny terrace in Italy or mixing them up at home for a happy hour with friends, the Campari Spritz is the perfect way to add a touch of Italian elegance and a burst of refreshing flavor to any occasion.

QUICK TIPS

01

Use a large wine glass as it allows for plenty of ice and garnishes.

 

02

Chill all ingredients before mixing to ensure your cocktail is icy cold and refreshing.

03

A slice of orange is the classic garnish for a Campari Spritz, as it adds a bright pop of color and a hint of citrus flavor

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

2.5 Oz

75 Ml

2.5 Parts

1.5 Oz

45 Ml

1.5 Parts

1 Oz

30 Ml

1 Parts

Club Soda
Ice
Orange slice to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

01

Fill a wine glass with ice

02

Gently pour in the Prosecco and Campari

03

Top with soda

04

Stir gently and garnish with a slice of fresh orange

What makes the Campari Spritz so special?

The Campari Spritz isn’t just another cocktail; it’s a true embodiment of Italian elegance and the spirit of la dolce vita. The vibrant red hue of Campari combined with the effervescence of Prosecco and a splash of soda water creates a beautifully balanced drink.

It has just the right amount of bitterness from the Campari, softened by the sweet notes of Prosecco, making it both bold and thirst-quenching. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply winding down after a long day, the Campari Spritz brings a touch of sophistication and a burst of flavor to any moment.

Read next: Drink Like an Italian: 8 Campari Cocktails to Try

Can I use a different sparkling wine in a Campari Spritz?

While Prosecco is the traditional choice for a Campari Spritz, there’s definitely room for some experimentation. A dry rosé sparkling wine can introduce a hint of berry flavors, offering a deliciously different take. The key is to use a sparkling wine that isn’t too sweet to maintain the cocktail’s signature balance of bitterness and sweetness.

A twist on the classic: variations to try

If you love the Campari Spritz but want to mix things up a bit, here are a few simple variations to try:

  • Campari & Tonic Spritz: Swap the soda water for tonic water to add a new layer of bitterness and complexity. The botanical notes from the tonic water complement the herbal flavors of Campari, making for a more intricate flavor profile.
  • Blood Orange Campari Spritz: Add a splash of blood orange juice for a vibrant citrus twist. The tartness of the blood orange enhances the Campari’s bitter notes while adding a fruity dimension.
  • Grapefruit Campari Spritz: A splash of fresh grapefruit juice brings a tangy, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with Campari’s complex profile. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit for a beautiful presentation.

Also see: The Best 28 Aperitif Cocktails for Any Occasion

Aperitif snacks to serve with a Campari Spritz

No aperitivo hour is complete without a selection of tasty snacks to accompany your Campari Spritz. These small bites not only pair beautifully with the drink’s bittersweet profile but also enhance the whole experience, making it feel authentically Italian. Here are some delicious snack ideas to serve alongside your Campari Spritz:

  • Olives: A bowl of mixed olives, especially those marinated in herbs and citrus zest, offers a salty, briny contrast to the bittersweet notes of the Campari Spritz. Mix green and black olives for variety.
  • Prosciutto and melon: Wrap thin slices of salty prosciutto around sweet, juicy melon pieces. This classic Italian combination balances the savory and sweet, harmonizing beautifully with the cocktail.
  • Bruschetta: Top slices of toasted baguette with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This fresh and simple snack complements the lively flavors of the Campari Spritz.
  • Parmesan chunks: Serve small pieces of aged Parmesan cheese drizzled with a bit of balsamic glaze or honey. The nutty, salty flavor of the cheese pairs well with the drink’s bitter-sweet profile.
  • Arancini: These crispy, deep-fried rice balls filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables offer a hearty and satisfying snack that contrasts nicely with the light, bubbly nature of the Campari Spritz.
  • Caprese skewers: Assemble skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. These fresh, tangy bites are a delightful complement to the drink.
  • Taralli: These crunchy Italian breadsticks, flavored with fennel seeds or black pepper, provide a satisfying crunch and light flavor that won’t overpower the cocktail.

Learn more: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served?

More spritz cocktails to enjoy

If you’re a fan of the Campari Spritz, you’ll likely enjoy exploring these other spritz cocktails:

  • Aperol Spritz: Similar to the Campari Spritz but slightly sweeter, the Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda. It’s just as vibrant and zesty, offering a lighter alternative.
  • Cynar Spritz: Made with Cynar, an artichoke-based bitter liqueur, Prosecco, and soda, this drink has a unique, earthy flavor profile that appeals to those who enjoy herbal notes.
  • Negroni Sbagliato: This “mistaken Negroni” swaps gin for Prosecco, creating a lighter, effervescent version of the classic Negroni. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the beloved Negroni flavors in a spritz format.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A large wine glass is the traditional choice for serving a Campari Spritz. It allows you to enjoy the drink’s beautiful color and garnishes, and the shape of the glass enhances the cocktail’s aroma.

Yes! You can use a non-alcoholic bitter liqueur as a substitute for Campari, paired with alcohol-free sparkling wine or soda. This way, you can enjoy the same vibrant flavors without the alcohol.

Compared to many other cocktails, the Campari Spritz is relatively low in calories. Campari is lower in sugar than many liqueurs, and using soda helps keep it light. Opting for a dry Prosecco can further reduce the calorie content.

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