How to make a Campari spritz

A Campari spritz is one of our go-to cocktails and features heavily on our drinks menu during the summer.

It's a well-known aperitif in the UK but when it comes to a spritz however, (a refreshing mix of Prosecco, soda water and a bitter Italian liqueur) it’s arguably the Aperol spritz that enjoys greater popularity than the Campari spritz.

But a Campari spritz, deep red in colour (as opposed to Aperol’s sunshine orange) makes a wonderful change as a go-to summer drink.

What is Campari?

Campari dates back to 1860 hailing from Novara in the north-west of Italy. Like all iconic recipes, the exact preparation of Campari is a secret but when served in a spritz the flavour is “intense and bittersweet” according to Loris Contro, Campari’s UK brand ambassador.

What is Campari Spritz made of?

Just like you would for an Aperol spritz, a Campari spritz contains Campari (the italian bitter liqueur), Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. The two liqueurs are interchangeable, depending on what you feel like.

When should a Campari spritz be drunk?

“The Campari Spritz can be enjoyed at any drinking occasion,” explains Loris, “but is best served during aperitivo hour (between 7pm - 9pm in Italy) alongside light bites, just as the Italians do in Milan." 

What else can Campari be used for?

• Campari is a key ingredient in one of the world’s most popular cocktails, the Negroni, which is made up of gin, sweet vermouth, Campari and orange peel.

• For something lighter and more refreshing, Campari can also be used in an Americano where it is combined with sweet red vermouth, topped with soda water and garnished with an orange slice and an olive.

• For G&T fans, equal parts Campari and gin, topped with tonic water is sometimes known as a Milanese G&T. According to Loris, this G&T works because: “the bittersweet Campari balances the sharpness of the tonic and complements the gin’s own botanicals.”

Olives, cheese and deli meats are all perfect accompaniments to a Campari spritz. Learn how to make the perfect cheeseboard to go with your spritz.