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Campari: here's everything you need to know about this incredible Italian aperitif!
Aug 9, 2022
In this feature, we’re taking a closer look at Campari! Known for its vibrant red colour and complex, bitter taste, this Italian delight is a fantastic friend to any craft gin, which is why we just had to include it in Craft Gin Club’s August 2022 Gin of the Month box for Craft Gin Clubbers to try.
Scroll down to reveal what type of alcohol Campari is, what Campari is made of, what it tastes like, and most importantly, how to drink Campari. If you’ve never given it a go before, now is the time!
What type of alcohol is Campari?
Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur that is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, for that classic Italian aperitivo moment in the build-up to dinner.
Invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Milan, it has an iconic bright red colour and a delectably bitter flavour profile designed to whet the appetite before a meal.
What is Campari made of?
Campari is made using alcohol and water. They are infused with a carefully selected mix of bitter herbs, fruit and aromatic plants.
What is Campari vs Aperol?
Campari and Aperol are both bitter Italian aperitifs, however, Aperol is softer, sweeter and contains less alcohol than Campari.
Campari has a more intense flavour profile that makes it a fantastic cocktail ingredient.
What does Campari taste like?
Campari has a rich layering of carefully balanced flavours that are lead by complex herb and bittersweet orange citrus tones.
On the nose, these are joined by inviting floral aromas, while on the palate a wonderfully moreish woodiness comes through and lasts long into the aromatic finish.
The first sip can seem almost too bitter for some. But there’s something that pulls you back in. It’s an acquired taste, but once you’ve acquired it, you’ve got a friend for life.
— Paolo Tonellotto of Campari
Is Campari high in alcohol?
Campari has an ABV that can vary between 20.5% and 28% depending on where it is sold, in the UK it normally has an ABV of 25%.
This makes it higher in alcohol than other similar liqueurs, like Aperol, which normally has an ABV of 11%.
How to drink Campari:
Campari is a wonderfully versatile spirit that has played an important role in cocktail history, not only as the perfect aperitvo drink but also as the main ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Americano.
With its iconic blend of bittersweet citrus and herb tones, it comes to life in a Campari Spritz and Campari can add new dimensions to a G&T. Here are three of our favourite Campari cocktail recipes…
Campari Spritz
75ml prosecco
50ml Campari
25ml soda water
Orange slice, to garnish.
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in your prosecco, then add the Campari and a dash of soda water. Stir gently and garnish to serve.
Campari Negroni
50ml gin
50ml Campari
50ml sweet vermouth
Orange slice, to garnish
Add all of the ingredients to a stirring glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a rocks glass over lots of ice. Garnish and enjoy!
Campari G&T
Image: Campari
25ml gin
25ml Campari
Tonic water, to top up
Lime wedge, to garnish
Fill a glass with ice. Add your gin and Campari. Top with tonic water and add a lime wedge, to garnish. Salute!
Where can I buy Campari?
Campari is available to buy at most major supermarkets and on the Craft Gin Club online shop, here. It is also available in Craft Gin Club’s August 2022 Gin of the Month box. Find out more at this link!
