What it tastes like
Bitter herbs, orange peel, cherry, gentian root, a long medicinal finish. Famously divisive on first sip. Works in a Negroni because the gin and sweet vermouth round it out.
Drinks at 25% ABV with intense bitterness. A small pour goes a long way.
How to drink it
Negroni first, always. Then Americano, Boulevardier, Negroni Sbagliato, Garibaldi (Campari and orange juice), Campari spritz.
Skip it neat unless you’re already a convert. Most people need Campari diluted by something sweet or sparkling.
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Italy’s bitter empire
Gaspare Campari created the recipe in 1860 in Novara. The exact botanical mix has been a closely guarded secret since then. Roughly sixty herbs, fruits, and roots steeped in alcohol and water. The colour comes from caramel since 2006 (it used to come from cochineal beetles).
Campari Group has grown around the brand and now owns Aperol, Wild Turkey, Espolon, Glen Grant, and many others.
Why the Negroni made Campari
The Negroni was reportedly invented in 1919 in Florence as a more potent version of the Americano. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, stirred over ice with an orange peel. The drink became a global obsession in the 2010s and dragged Campari sales up with it.
Best cocktails to make with Campari
Campari does Negroni and its variations. Also brilliant in spritzes and Garibaldis with orange juice.
How it stacks up
How Campari compares to other Italian bitters and amari.
| Bitter | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Campari | Bitter, citrus, medicinal | Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano |
| Aperol | Lighter, sweeter, orange | Aperol Spritz, easy aperitivo |
| Cynar | Artichoke, herbal, less bitter | Sipping, Cynar 70 cocktails |
| Select | Halfway between Campari and Aperol | Spritzes, Negroni variants |
| Luxardo Bitter | Similar to Campari, slightly different | Negroni, Boulevardier |
Substitutions and swaps
Campari and Aperol get confused but are not the same.
Campari is the default. Aperol is the lighter swap.
Don’t sub Campari at 1:1. Campari is much more bitter. Use 1:2 Campari to syrup or skip the swap.
Negroni won’t work. Reach for Boulevardier (whiskey) if you have whiskey on hand.
Sub Aperol or Select for half the Campari in a Negroni for a softer drink.
Campari is technically aperitivo, not amaro. For an amaro call use Averna, Montenegro, or Fernet.
You hate bitter. Campari is one of the most bitter mainstream spirits.
You want a sweet aperitif. Aperol is the soft pick.
You’re new to Italian bitters. Try a Negroni Sbagliato first (sparkling wine instead of gin) before going full Negroni.
Where to buy Campari
Where to buy
Campari is at every bottle shop and supermarket. Reasonably priced for what it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people ask about this bottle.
What is Campari?
Campari is an Italian bitter aperitif made by Campari Group in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, since 1860. A blend of around 60 botanicals (herbs, fruits, roots) steeped in alcohol and water, bottled at 25% ABV.
Is Campari bitter?
Yes, very. It is one of the most bitter mainstream spirits, defined by gentian root, herbs, and citrus peel. The bitterness is the point.
What does Campari taste like?
Bitter herbs, orange peel, cherry, gentian, a long medicinal finish. More bitter and more medicinal than Aperol; less herbal than Fernet; less sweet than Cynar.
Campari vs Aperol, what’s the difference?
Different products. Campari is 25% ABV, intensely bitter, dark red, built for Negronis. Aperol is 11% ABV, sweeter, lighter, orange-coloured, built for spritzes. Don’t substitute one for the other unless you adjust the recipe.
Is Campari coloured naturally?
Until 2006, Campari was coloured with carmine (from cochineal beetles), which made it red. Since 2006 the colour comes from artificial colouring (caramel and red dye). The flavour didn’t change.
Can you drink Campari neat?
You can but most people don’t enjoy it that way until they’ve worked up to it. Start with a Negroni or a spritz.
Is Campari gluten-free?
Yes. Made with neutral spirit (potentially grain-derived but distilled to neutrality) and botanicals. The brand confirms it is gluten-free.
What is the best cocktail to make with Campari?
A Negroni: 30ml gin, 30ml Campari, 30ml sweet vermouth, stir over ice, orange peel. The drink the bottle was made for.
