The iconic crimson hue of a perfectly crafted Campari cocktail. Here the classic Negroni-Image by edson-rosas-unsplash

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Savoring the Sunset: The 5 Best Campari Cocktails for the Discerning Palate

by Michael Lamonaca 24 June 2025

Step into the world of Italian aperitivo, a ritual where vibrant flavors meet sophisticated leisure. At the heart of this cherished tradition lies Campari, an iconic crimson spirit that has captivated palates for over a century. Its distinctive bitter-sweet profile and alluring hue make it more than just an ingredient; it is a gateway to a uniquely Italian way of life. Join The Italian Reviews as we delve into the storied past of Campari and unveil five essential cocktails that embody its timeless elegance, offering pathways to recreate these elevated experiences in your own home.

The Vibrant Legacy: A Sip Through Campari’s History

The extraordinary journey of Campari began not just with a drink, but with the visionary spirit of Gaspare Campari. In 1860, in Novara, Italy, this master distiller and expert herbalist meticulously crafted a new bitter aperitif. His ambition was to create something truly unique, a blend of over 80 herbs, spices, and fruit peels whose precise recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day. It was this meticulous dedication to composition that gave Campari its unmistakable and complex bitter-sweet flavor profile, setting it apart from any other spirit.

Gaspare first introduced his creation at Caffè Campari, his establishment located at the heart of Milan’s bustling Piazza Duomo, and later at his more renowned Galleria Campari in the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. These opulent venues quickly became social hubs, synonymous with the burgeoning Italian “aperitivo” culture. The ritual of enjoying a pre-dinner drink, designed to stimulate the appetite and foster conversation, found its perfect companion in Campari’s bold and intriguing character. Its strikingly vibrant, ruby-red color, achieved naturally through carmine dye, was as captivating as its taste, drawing the eye and solidifying its iconic status.

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, Campari’s popularity extended far beyond Milan. It became a favorite among artists, intellectuals, and the international jet set, its mystique fueled by evocative advertising campaigns that often bordered on abstract art, famously collaborating with Futurists and other avant-garde artists. This early embrace of art and culture cemented Campari’s image as a sophisticated, cosmopolitan spirit. Its spread across Europe and eventually to the Americas was a testament to its singular taste and the enduring appeal of the Italian lifestyle it represented. From its initial role as a standalone aperitif, Campari soon became a cornerstone of classic cocktail development, giving birth to legendary drinks that continue to define mixology today.

Crafting Perfection: Our 5 Essential Campari Cocktails

Campari’s versatility allows it to shine in a variety of sophisticated concoctions. Here are five quintessential Campari cocktails that every discerning palate should experience.

1. The Classic Negroni

Perhaps the most famous Campari cocktail, the Negroni is a testament to perfect balance. Born in Florence in 1919, supposedly when Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger Americano, it’s a bold and bittersweet masterpiece.

Ingredients: Equal parts Campari, sweet red vermouth, and gin.
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Where to Purchase Online: High-quality gins, Italian sweet vermouths, Campari, and elegant barware can be acquired from a range of online liquor retailers and specialty stores. You can purchase online from:
- US: Drizly (for spirits), Total Wine & More (for spirits); Williams Sonoma (for barware)
- UK: Majestic Wine (for spirits); John Lewis (for barware), Villeroy & Boch UK (for glassware)
- Australia: BoozeBud (for spirits); House (for barware)
- Canada: Alambika (for barware)
- New Zealand: Liquorland (for spirits); Briscoes (for barware)

2. The Elegant Americano

Predating the Negroni, the Americano is a lighter, effervescent expression of Campari’s charm. It was a favorite of American tourists in Italy, giving it its name.

Ingredients: 1 part Campari, 1 part sweet red vermouth, a splash of soda water.
Preparation: Pour Campari and sweet vermouth into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice.
Where to Purchase Online: Quality Campari, sweet vermouth, and stylish glassware are readily available from online beverage stores and gourmet kitchenware suppliers. You can purchase online from:
- US: Drizly (for beverages), Total Wine & More (for beverages); Crate & Barrel (for glassware), Williams Sonoma (for glassware)
- UK: Denby (for glassware), John Lewis (for glassware), Villeroy & Boch UK (for glassware)
- Australia: BoozeBud (for beverages); House (for glassware)
- Canada: WineOnline.ca (for beverages); Crate & Barrel Canada (for glassware), Alambika (for glassware)
- New Zealand: Liquorland (for beverages); Briscoes (for glassware)

A timeless bitter-sweet symphony, ready to be savored. The Americano here. Image by riccardo-andolfo -unsplash

3. The Vibrant Campari Spritz

A refreshing and visually striking drink, the Campari Spritz offers a delightful alternative to its Aperol cousin, with a more pronounced bitter edge. It’s the perfect aperitivo for a warm evening.

Ingredients: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Campari, 1 splash of soda water.
Preparation: Fill a large wine glass or a tumbler with ice. Pour in the Prosecco, then the Campari, and top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.
Where to Purchase Online: Prosecco, Campari, and chic glassware can be sourced from leading online wine and spirits merchants, or general home goods stores offering drinkware. You can purchase online from:
- US: Wine.com (for wine/spirits), Drizly (for wine/spirits); Crate & Barrel (for glassware), Williams Sonoma (for glassware)
- UK: Majestic Wine (for wine/spirits); John Lewis (for glassware), Villeroy & Boch UK (for glassware)
- Australia: BoozeBud (for wine/spirits); House (for glassware)
- Canada: WineOnline.ca (for wine/spirits); Crate & Barrel Canada (for glassware), Alambika (for glassware)
- New Zealand: Liquorland (for wine/spirits); Briscoes (for glassware)

Elevating the art of the aperitivo, one exquisite glass at a time. Campari Spritz here. Image by lorenzo-rui-unsplash

4. The Exotic Jungle Bird

Originating in Kuala Lumpur in the late 1970s, the Jungle Bird is a unique tiki-inspired cocktail where Campari’s bitterness beautifully cuts through rich tropical flavors.

Ingredients: 1.5 parts dark rum, 0.75 parts Campari, 0.5 parts fresh lime juice, 0.5 parts simple syrup, 1.5 parts pineapple juice.
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a chilled tiki mug or Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a lime wheel.
Where to Purchase Online: Discover a range of dark rums, Campari, and specialty cocktail ingredients, along with unique tiki glassware and bar tools, from online liquor retailers and dedicated bar supply shops. You can purchase online from:
- US: Drizly (for spirits), Total Wine & More (for spirits)
- UK: Majestic Wine (for spirits)
- Australia: BoozeBud (for spirits)
- Canada: Alambika (for bar tools/glassware)
- New Zealand: Liquorland (for spirits)

5. The Sophisticated Boulevardier

Often called the Negroni’s whiskey-loving cousin, the Boulevardier is a rich, warm, and contemplative cocktail, perfect for cooler evenings. It was popularized in Paris by Erskine Gwynne, an American writer, in the 1920s.

Ingredients: 1.5 parts whiskey (bourbon or rye recommended), 1 part sweet red vermouth, 1 part Campari.
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
Where to Purchase Online: Premium whiskeys, sweet vermouths, Campari, and high-quality mixing tools are available through various online spirits merchants and specialty barware stores. You can purchase online from:
- US: Flaviar (for spirits), A Bar Above (for bar tools), Williams Sonoma (for bar tools)
- UK: Majestic Wine (for spirits)
- Australia: BoozeBud (for spirits)
- Canada: WineOnline.ca (for spirits); Alambika (for bar tools)
- New Zealand: Liquorland (for spirits)

Why These Cocktails Matter: The Italian Connection

These Campari cocktails are more than just recipes; they are liquid expressions of Italian culture and ingenuity. They represent the spirit of the aperitivo, the art of balancing bold flavors, and the timeless elegance that defines Italian living. Each sip is a reminder of Italy’s commitment to quality, tradition, and the pleasure of shared moments. Campari, with its distinctive Italian heritage, grounds these cocktails in authenticity, elevating them from simple drinks to experiences.

Tips for Your Campari Journey

Quality Ingredients: The key to an exceptional cocktail lies in quality. Invest in good spirits and fresh ingredients.
Experimentation: While classics are perfect, don’t be afraid to adjust proportions to suit your palate.
Presentation: An elegant glass, a perfect ice cube, and a thoughtful garnish elevate the experience.

Conclusion

Campari cocktails offer a vibrant and sophisticated journey into the world of Italian mixology. From the timeless Negroni to the exotic Jungle Bird, each drink tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and the quintessential Italian art of living well. At The Italian Reviews, we believe in savoring these authentic experiences. We invite you to explore these exquisite concoctions, embrace the bitter-sweet symphony of Campari, and discover your own perfect Italian moment.

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