Campari Beer

The Campari Beer is exactly what it sounds like: a straightforward mix of bitter aperitif and refreshing lager. It’s a low-effort, high-impact drink for those who appreciate a sharp, herbal edge to their brew. This isn’t a complex cocktail, but a perfectly functional one. It’s often ordered by Campari enthusiasts or anyone looking for a simple, slightly more adventurous beer experience without committing to a full-strength cocktail.

Campari Beer

4.33 from 28 votes

Calories: 13kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Bottle(s) Larger Beer
▢ 1.5 cl Bitters

Instructions

▢
Use a 15 oz glass. Add Campari first. Fill with beer.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 13kcal (1%)

Where it came from

This isn’t a classic in the traditional sense, but more a casual, intuitive pairing that likely emerged in Italian bars or among aperitivo enthusiasts. Given Campari’s ubiquitous presence and the popularity of beer, combining the two is a natural, unpretentious move. It’s a modern, informal concoction, probably gaining traction as people looked for lighter, more sessionable bitter options.

The Campari Beer sits comfortably in the beer cocktail family, alongside drinks like the Shandy or a Michelada. While a Shandy uses lemon soda for sweetness and tartness, and a Michelada brings in lime, hot sauce, and spices, the Campari Beer is distinguished by its singular focus on bitter complexity. It’s a purist’s beer cocktail, leaning into the aperitif’s distinctive profile.

You’d typically order or serve a Campari Beer in a relaxed setting: a sunny patio, a casual neighborhood bar, or as a pre-dinner drink. It’s a fantastic option for early evening drinks or during brunch, offering refreshment without being too heavy or boozy. It’s a no-fuss drink for when you want something a bit more interesting than a straight beer.

What it tastes like

The Campari Beer delivers a clear, assertive flavor journey. From the first sip, the bright, bitter, and citrusy notes of Campari hit the palate. This quickly gives way to the malty or hoppy character of the lager, providing a refreshing, carbonated counterpoint. The finish is a harmonious blend of bitter and crisp, leaving a clean, slightly herbal aftertaste that encourages another sip.

Regarding alcohol, let’s break it down. Assuming a standard 12 oz bottle of lager at 5% ABV, that’s 0.6 oz of pure alcohol. 1.5 cl of Campari is approximately 0.5 oz. At 24% ABV, that adds another 0.12 oz of pure alcohol. The total liquid is around 12.5 oz, with about 0.72 oz of alcohol. This puts the drink’s ABV at roughly 5.8%. It’s a bit stronger than a typical light beer, but still very much in the sessionable range, far less potent than most standard cocktails.

The technique

Building a Campari Beer is as straightforward as it gets. Grab a 15 oz glass, ideally a highball or a large pilsner glass. Pour in the 1.5 cl of Campari first. Then, slowly top it off with the bottle of lager beer. The key is to pour the beer gently down the side of the glass to control the head, allowing the carbonation to naturally mix the Campari without needing a stir.

The one technique tip that matters most here is the gentle pour of the beer. Dumping it in quickly will result in an excessive amount of foam, displacing too much liquid and making a mess. By tilting the glass and pouring slowly, you preserve the carbonation, ensure a proper ratio of liquid to head, and allow for a natural, even integration of the Campari throughout the beer. This keeps the drink looking good and tasting consistent from start to finish.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Campari

Use: Classic Campari is the benchmark here. For a slightly less bitter, sweeter option, Aperol works. Other Italian red bitter liqueurs can be interesting if you know their profiles.
Skip: Don’t use concentrated aromatic bitters like Angostura; they’re not designed for this volume. Avoid non-bitter red liqueurs like grenadine, which will just make it sweet and cloying.
Why: Campari is the soul of this drink, providing its signature bitter, herbal, and citrus backbone. Without it, you just have beer. It transforms a simple lager into an aperitivo experience.

Lager Beer

Use: A crisp, clean lager or pilsner is ideal. Think light-bodied, refreshing, and not too hoppy, like a classic Italian lager or a German pilsner. Even a light American lager can work.
Skip: Heavy stouts, overly malty brown ales, or intensely hoppy IPAs can clash with Campari’s bitterness. You want the beer to complement, not compete with, the aperitif’s profile.
Why: The lager provides the refreshing, carbonated base that dilutes the Campari and carries its flavors. Its relatively neutral profile allows the Campari to shine without being overwhelmed by other strong beer notes.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Aperol Beer

A lighter, sweeter take on the bitter beer: Swap Campari for Aperol for a less intense bitter orange profile. It’s a good entry point for those new to bitter liqueurs.

Citrus Twist

A bright, aromatic enhancement: Add an orange slice or a lemon wedge to the glass before serving. The fresh citrus oils add an aromatic pop that complements the Campari.

Wheat Beer Campari

A softer, spicier bitter beer: Instead of a lager, use a wheat beer. Its slightly bready, sometimes spicy notes can offer a different, softer backdrop for the Campari’s bitterness.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Campari?

Aperol is the closest substitute for a similar bitter orange profile, though it’s sweeter and less intense. Other red Italian bitter liqueurs will work, but taste them first.

No Lager Beer?

A crisp pilsner is an excellent alternative. A light ale or even a wheat beer can also work, changing the beer’s underlying flavor profile but still providing a refreshing base.

No 15 oz glass?

Any tall glass like a standard pint glass, a Collins glass, or even a large wine glass will do the trick. The volume is more important than the specific shape.

No bottle opener?

If using a twist-off bottle, problem solved. For crown caps, find a sturdy edge or another bottle. Just be careful and don’t hurt yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Campari Beer?

A Campari Beer contains 1.5 cl of Campari and one bottle of lager beer, typically served in a 15 oz glass.

Is a Campari Beer strong?

No, it’s a relatively light drink. With an ABV around 5.8%, it’s slightly stronger than an average light beer but significantly less potent than most standard cocktails.

How do you make a Campari Beer less bitter?

To make it less bitter, use Aperol instead of Campari, or use a smaller amount of Campari. You could also add a squeeze of orange or lemon for balance.

What kind of beer is best for a Campari Beer?

A crisp, light-bodied lager or pilsner works best. Its clean profile allows the Campari’s bitter notes to shine without competition from a heavy or overly hoppy beer.

Is Campari Beer a good drink?

It’s a good drink for those who enjoy bitter flavors and seek a refreshing, low-alcohol alternative to heavier cocktails. It’s simple, direct, and surprisingly satisfying.

Can I use a different bitter liqueur in a Campari Beer?

Yes, you can experiment with other red Italian bitter liqueurs. Just be aware that each will have its own unique balance of bitterness and sweetness, altering the drink’s overall character.

Do I need to stir a Campari Beer?

No, stirring is generally not necessary. The carbonation from the beer, when poured gently, will naturally mix the Campari throughout the drink.

What food pairs well with Campari Beer?

It pairs well with salty snacks, charcuterie, light appetizers, or anything you’d enjoy with a classic aperitivo. Its bitterness cuts through richness and refreshes the palate.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read