12 Top Campari Cocktails to Try

Try these popular Campari cocktails, from classic Negronis to refreshing spritzes! These essential recipes showcase the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and citrus in every sip.

Campari is an Italian bitter aperitif with adoring fans all over the world. The first time I had a sip of this bright red liqueur, I could see why it’s inspired classic cocktails like the Negroni and Americano. It’s herbaceous and fruity, with notes of cherry and orange peel, and that signature bitter finish.

Over the years I’ve made dozens of Campari cocktails, and the list below are the most popular that always go over well with a crowd! Whether you’re a longtime Campari enthusiast or you’re just discovering this iconic liqueur, these drinks show why it’s been a cocktail staple since the 1860s.

My top Campari cocktails

Campari Spritz

The Campari spritz brings together bitter Italian liqueur with bubbly Prosecco and a splash of soda water. It's lighter than a Negroni but still delivers that characteristic Campari punch, making it perfect a pre-dinner drink.

Ingredients: Campari, Prosecco (or other sparkling wine), soda water

Boulevardier Cocktail

Think of the Boulevardier as a Negroni's sophisticated cousin. By swapping gin for bourbon or rye whiskey, you get a deeper, richer cocktail with spicy notes that complement the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.

Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, bourbon or rye whiskey

Classic Negroni

The Negroni is the drink that put Campari on the map for cocktail lovers worldwide. It’s equal parts refreshing, bitter, and complex. This three ingredient cocktail is easy to make and memorize, because it uses 1 ounce of each of its three components.

Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, gin

Siesta Cocktail

Here's my personal favorite Campari cocktail: meet the Siesta! This unexpected combination of tequila, Campari and fresh citrus juice is deliciously intriguing. Each sip is balanced and refreshing, with a sweet tart body and a hint of bitter on the finish.

Ingredients: Campari, tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice

Jungle Bird

This unique cocktail proves that Campari works with tropical flavors, too! The combination of dark rum, pineapple juice, and lime creates a fruity base, while the Campari adds complexity and delicious bitter undertones. It's another personal favorite of mine!

Ingredients: Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, dark rum

Negroni Sbagliato

Meet the Negroni sbagliato, a “mixed up” version of the classic cocktail using sparkling wine instead of gin. The lightly sweet Prosecco against the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth makes for a better balanced flavor than with gin.

Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, Prosecco

Garibaldi Cocktail (Campari & Orange!)

Here’s a unique Campari cocktail: the Garibaldi! Orange juice is the perfect sweet balance to bitter Campari. There’s a little textural little flair with a foamy topping. It comes out ultra refreshing with bitter, sweet and tangy notes all intermingling in the perfect sip.

Ingredients: Campari, fresh orange juice

Americano Cocktail

The Americano is actually the cocktail that inspired the Negroni, and it's refreshingly bubbly. This lower-alcohol option combines Campari and sweet vermouth with soda water for a light, bitter, and refreshing drink that's perfect for afternoon sipping.

Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, soda water

Old Pal Cocktail

Here’s a crisp, punchy three-ingredient drink that’s sleek and sippable: the Old Pal cocktail! It’s complex and spirit-forward, a unique whiskey cocktail if you love dry cocktails like a Negroni or a Manhattan. The Old Pal pairs bitter Campari with dry vermouth and fiery rye whiskey into a drink that’s dry, bitter and spicy all at once.

Ingredients: Campari, dry vermouth, bourbon or rye whiskey

Mezcal Negroni

Looking for a complex cocktail to sip on? Here’s a cocktail that improves on the classic: the mezcal Negroni! This drink takes all that’s good about a Negroni, and makes it even better. The intense smokiness of mezcal perfectly balances the sweetness of the vermouth and bitterness of Campari.

Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, mezcal

Photo Credit: anothercocktailblog.com

Bicicletta

The Bicicletta is a spin on the Aperol and Campari spritz, using white wine instead of Prosecco! It makes a simple refreshing spin on the classic that's even more laid back and fun. Bicicletta means "bicycle" in Italian, and supposedly refers to people wobbling home on their bikes after having a few drinks too many.

Ingredients: Campari, dry white wine, soda water

Campari and Soda

There are so many ways to drink Campari, from sipping it chilled to the ubiquitous Negroni. But our favorite way to drink it? Plain and simple: with bubbles! Campari and Soda is one of the easiest ways to make a Campari cocktail: and it’s one of the more delicious, in our opinion.

Ingredients: Campari, soda water

More about Campari

Campari is an Italian bitter (amaro) and you can identify it by its bright red jewel-toned color! It was invented back in the 1860’s in Italy as an aperitif, a drink to stimulate your appetite before a meal. Campari tastes bitter, fruity, and spicy all at once. It’s is infused with different herbs and fruits (part of a secret recipe). You’ll taste notes of cherry, clove, cinnamon and orange peel. It’s got a fairly high alcohol content (48 proof) and is used in classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Americano.

Fun fact: Campari was originally colored so brightly red due to a dye made of crushed insects! That’s no longer in the modern recipe, so it shouldn’t deter you from grabbing a bottle.

Tip: Want a substitute for this specialty liqueur? Go to Best Campari Substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Campari taste like?

Campari has a complex flavor profile, often described as bittersweet, with notes of citrus peel, herbs, and spices. It has a distinct bitterness that can be an acquired taste, but it adds depth and complexity to cocktails.

What are some easy Campari cocktails for beginners?

If you’re new to Campari, try a Campari Soda or a Campari Spritz. These simple cocktails are refreshing and a great way to introduce yourself to the flavor.

What foods pair well with Campari cocktails?

Campari cocktails complement a wide range of foods, particularly those with bold flavors. Think salty snacks like olives and cured meats, rich cheeses, and grilled or roasted dishes.