Campari is an Italian aperitif made from a secret recipe of herbs, plants and fruits. It has a ruby red color and a fruity yet bitter flavor. It is the quintessential Italian liqueur. There are many recipes for cocktail that include Campari. Here are three of my favorite refreshing recipes for Campari cocktails that are perfect for summer.
Americano
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Cinzano Rosso Vermouth (Italian Sweet Red Vermouth)
Splash of Club Soda
Pour Campari and sweet vermouth over ice in a rocks or highball glass. Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange twist.
The Americano was first served in Gaspare Campari’s bar in the 1860s. In the 1900s frequent patron Count Camillo Negroni thought this drink needed more of a kick, so he asked the bartender to put some gin in it. And so, the next drink was born.
Negroni
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
1 ounce Gin
Orange Peel for garnish
Pour Campari, vermouth, and gin into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
In later years, bartenders in Milan came up with this next cocktail, which translates to “wrong” Negroni.
Negroni Sbagliato
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
1 ounce asti spumante
Pour equal parts of the ingredients over ice in a rocks or highball glass. Stir and add a slice of orange.
Have you ever tried Campari cocktails? What is your favorite recipe?
Cheers.
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