Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is bitter and sparkling: a refreshing mixed drink to sip! Make this easy 3 ingredient cocktail in 3 minutes.

Need a light mixed drink? try it inject Campari! This bitter and bubbly cocktail mixes this popular appetizer with sparkling wine and soda water. What could be more refreshing? Campari is fashion conscious, so this cocktail is a drink for Campari lovers. It’s a nice change from the Negroni or Americano. That’s how it’s done! (If you don’t like bitter flavors, we recommend the Aperol Spritz instead.)

What is a Campari Spritz?

A Campari Spritz is the cousin of the popular Aperol Spritz, an Italian aperitif made with Aperol. The spritz was invented in Italy in the 19th century to dilute sparkling wine by mixing it with… well, water! It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Aperol Spritz took on its current form. It is a cocktail on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning there is an ‘official’ definition. The Campari Spritz trades at Campari! What’s in a Campari Spritz:

• Campari
• sparkling winelike prosecco or champagne
• Carbonated water (no tonic water)

How to make a Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz is so easy to prepare: no real technique is required at all! Simply mix the ingredients and top with bubbles. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

• stir: Stir the Campari in a glass with ice to chill.
• Garnish with bubbles: Add Prosecco and sparkling water.
• Garnish: Squeeze the juice from a lemon slice and serve.

Step it up: try clear ice!

If you really want to overdo your Campari spritz, try making clear ice. This ice is crystal clear without the cloudiness of regular ice. You can cut big chunks and they look like a fancy bar! They take this drink to superstar level. All you need is 24 hours and a small cool box! Go to How to make transparent ice.

Campari vs Aperol: What’s the difference?

The Aperol Spritz came first. But Aperol is very similar to Campari. They are both Italian bitters, also called Appetizers, meaning they are meant to be served before a meal. Both have a nice light color and are even sold by the same Italian company (Gruppo Campari). So what is the difference between Campari and Aperol?

• Campari was invented in Italy in the 1860s, so has the longer history of the two. It is used in classic cocktails like Negroni and Americano. It is bright red and very bitter in taste, with sweet notes such as cherry, clove, cinnamon and orange peel. It has a higher alcohol content (48 proof).
• aperole was also invented in Italy in 1919. It is bright orange and is most commonly used in the Aperol spritz cocktail. It is much easier to drink than Campari: the taste is softer and more balanced, with herbal notes. It has a low alcohol content (22 degrees).

Campari Spritz cousin drinks

There are several drinks related to the Campari Spritz! If you like this one you will love:

• Americano Sparkling and bitter, the Americano uses Campari, sweet vermouth, and lots of soda water.
• Negroni Sbagliato A Negroni variant with Prosecco instead of Gin, sparkling and more balanced than the original.
• Aperol Spritz aka Spritz Veneziano Sweet, herbal and tingly, the Aperol Spritz really is as good as the hype.

more squirting

If you like bubbly spritzers, be sure to try these spritz recipes:

• Amaro Spritz This sparkling drink has hints of caramel and cola!
• St Germain Spritz This floral and refreshing drink is easy to drink: perfect for summer!
• Lillet Spritz Light and airy, with Lillet Blanc and bubbles.

When to serve a Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz Cocktail is sparkling and refreshing, making it perfect for summer occasions. It’s perfect for sipping as:

• summer drink
• Aperitif (starter)
• Aperitif at aperitif time