Campari Spritz is a revitalizing Italian cocktail blending the bittersweet flavor of Campari with chilled dry Prosecco and club soda. It's a simple mix that's perfect as an aperitivo or for summer gatherings. Start with ice in a glass, add 1 oz. of Campari, then 3 oz. of prosecco, and finish with club soda. Garnish with an orange slice for a pop of flavor and color. There's much more to learn about this delightful drink!
History

The Campari Spritz has its roots in Italy, where the spritz originated in the 19th century as an invigorating blend of sparkling wine and water or soda.
Created by Gaspare Campari in 1860, Campari quickly became a beloved Italian aperitivo, enjoyed before meals.
Over the years, the cocktail gained traction, particularly among the Italian upper class, becoming a fashionable choice in the mid-20th century.
You'll find that the Campari Spritz is often favored over the popular Aperol Spritz due to its complex and bitter flavor profile.
Its simple recipe and revitalizing taste make it a staple in bars and restaurants, especially during summer, embodying the essence of Italian aperitivo culture and its rich history.
Recipe

Ingredients:
- 3 oz. chilled dry prosecco
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. club soda
- Ice
- Orange slice (for garnish)
To make the Campari Spritz, fill a large stemmed wine glass halfway with ice. Pour in the chilled prosecco first, followed by the Campari, and then top it off with club soda.
Gently stir the mixture to combine, ensuring that the bubbles remain intact. Finally, garnish your cocktail with a fresh slice of orange for a pop of color and added flavor.
For the best experience, always use chilled ingredients and serve the drink immediately while it's still bubbly. This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, as the carbonation is essential for enhancing its invigorating qualities.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with the ratios to suit your taste; you might prefer a slightly stronger or lighter drink depending on your preference. Consider trying different garnishes, such as other citrus fruits, to add a unique twist to this classic recipe.
Cooking Steps

To start making your Campari Spritz, chill your glass to keep the drink invigorating.
Next, fill it with generous ice cubes before pouring in the Campari slowly. This layering sets the stage for a perfectly balanced and bubbly cocktail.
Step 1. Chill Your Glass First

Chilling your glass first is a simple yet effective step that elevates your Campari Spritz experience. By taking the time to chill your glass, you help maintain the drink's invigorating temperature and delicate carbonation, ensuring it stays bubbly for longer.
To do this, fill your glass with ice water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, empty and dry it before adding ice for your cocktail. A pre-chilled glass not only enhances flavor but also prevents rapid dilution from melting ice.
For an added touch, consider using crystal clear ice in your chilled glass, which will elevate the aesthetic of your Campari Spritz and impress your guests. Enjoy the ultimate sipping experience!
Step 2. Add Ice Cubes Generously

With your glass perfectly chilled, it's time to add ice cubes generously.
Fill your glass halfway with ice, using average- to large-sized cubes made from clean, filtered water for the best taste. This step not only chills your drink but also enhances your overall experience, keeping your Campari spritz delightfully cool.
Remember, you'll want to pour in your parts Campari and parts Prosecco, followed by sparkling water, right after adding the ice. This timing helps maintain maximum carbonation and prevents dilution.
Since Campari is a bitter liqueur with a higher alcohol content, the ice is essential for balancing flavors and making your Campari spritz recipe truly enjoyable.
Cheers to a perfectly crafted cocktail!
Step 3. Pour in Campari Slowly

Gently pour in the Campari to create a harmonious blend with the Prosecco and sparkling water. This slow addition allows the bitter liqueur to mix gently, ensuring a balanced flavor profile while maintaining the cocktail's effervescence.
By adding Campari after the sparkling wine and soda, you help retain the carbonation, preventing a loss of fizz. Use a long spoon or stirring rod to control the pour, minimizing excessive foaming that can occur with a hasty addition.
Plus, this method enhances the drink's visual appeal, creating a beautiful gradient effect between the layers. Enjoy the rich, aromatic experience as the flavors meld together, making your Campari Spritz a delightful, revitalizing cocktail.
Step 4. Top With Sparkling Wine

Crafting the perfect Campari Spritz starts with topping your drink with sparkling wine.
Begin by pouring 3 oz. of chilled dry Prosecco into a wine glass filled halfway with ice. Make sure to choose a mid-range quality Prosecco, preferably Brut or Extra Brut, to balance the bitterness of the Campari.
Next, gently pour in 1 oz. of Campari to keep the drink effervescent. Then, top the mixture with 1 oz. of chilled soda water for added fizz and to lighten the cocktail's intensity.
Stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation. This Italian cocktail is invigorating and vibrant, setting the stage for your garnish.
Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors in your Campari Spritz!
Step 5. Garnish With an Orange Slice

A vibrant Campari Spritz isn't complete without its signature garnish: an orange slice.
To prepare, cut a fresh orange into wedges or rounds, making sure it's juicy for ideal flavor infusion. Placing the orange slice on the rim of your glass not only adds a pop of color but also allows the juice to mingle with the cocktail, balancing Campari's bitter flavor.
The citrus notes from the orange slice enhance the herbal and bittersweet profile of the Campari, creating a more rounded flavor experience.
For a creative twist, you might use an orange peel twist instead; it adds aroma without additional sweetness.
Either way, your Campari spritz will be visually stunning and deliciously invigorating!
Final Thoughts

While you might be tempted to stick with more popular spritz variations, the Campari Spritz deserves a spot in your cocktail rotation.
This classic Italian cocktail offers a unique bittersweet flavor that sets it apart from sweeter options like Aperol. With just a simple 3-2-1 ratio of Campari, dry prosecco, and soda water, it's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Garnished with an orange slice or a twist of orange peel, the Campari Spritz not only looks appealing but also enhances its citrus notes.
Whether you're enjoying it as an aperitivo or serving it at a gathering, this invigorating drink pairs beautifully with salty snacks.
Don't miss out on this vibrant cocktail that's quick to make and delightful to sip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz?
The main difference between Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz lies in their flavor profiles and sweetness.
You'll find Aperol is sweeter and less bitter, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy lighter drinks.
In contrast, Campari offers a bold, herbal taste that leans towards bitterness.
The ratios in each cocktail also differ, with Aperol typically being more balanced, while Campari provides a more robust aperitivo experience.
Your preference will guide your choice!
How Do You Make a Campari Spritz?
To craft a vibrant sunset in a glass, you'll start by filling a wine glass halfway with ice—like tiny glaciers in a warm embrace.
Pour in 3 ounces of chilled prosecco, followed by 1 ounce of the bittersweet elixir, Campari.
Top it off with 1 ounce of sparkling club soda, stirring gently to maintain that effervescence.
Finally, adorn your creation with a fresh orange slice, inviting a burst of citrusy joy.
Enjoy!
What Is a Campari Made Of?
Campari's made from a secret blend of herbs, spices, and fruit, creating its unique bitter flavor.
You'll find water, alcohol, and sugar as primary ingredients, along with various natural flavors derived from botanicals and fruits.
Its distinctive ruby-red color comes from natural colorants, including cochineal.
With an alcohol content ranging from 20.5% to 28% ABV, Campari stands out as a stronger option among aperitifs, known for its bold, complex taste.
Does Campari Taste Like Aperol?
Isn't it interesting how two Italian aperitivos can evoke such different tastes?
When you taste Campari, you'll find it's particularly bitter, with herbal and spicy notes, while Aperol leans towards a sweeter profile with fruity undertones.
You might appreciate how Campari's higher alcohol content adds complexity, making it a stronger choice.