The Campari Spritz is an iconic Italian cocktail that'll transport you to the sun-drenched piazzas of Milan and Venice. It blends the bittersweet allure of Campari with the effervescence of Prosecco and the refreshing touch of soda water, creating a balanced and sophisticated sipper. You'll start by filling a wine glass with ice, then adding a generous splash of Campari for its vibrant red hue and bold flavor. Next, you'll top it off with chilled Prosecco and a splash of soda water, finishing it with an orange slice garnish. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this classic Italian aperitif that's perfect for warm afternoons or pre-dinner celebrations. Keep reading to discover more about the history and preparation of the Campari Spritz.
Key Takeaways
- The Campari Spritz is a classic Italian aperitif cocktail originating in Northern Italy, blending Campari bitters, prosecco, and soda water.
- The traditional recipe calls for a 3:2:1 ratio of prosecco, Campari, and soda water, served over ice and garnished with an orange slice.
- The cocktail represents the sophisticated aperitivo culture, balancing bitter, sweet, and effervescent flavors for a refreshing and visually appealing drink.
- The Campari Spritz has become a symbol of the Italian lifestyle, popular in cities like Milan and Venice for warm afternoon or pre-dinner occasions.
- The specific ingredient ratios can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, creating either a lighter or more intense Campari Spritz experience.
History
The origins of the Campari Spritz can be traced back to the vibrant culture of Northern Italy, where a passion for aperitivo and the art of mixology collided.
This iconic cocktail has its roots in the late 19th century, when the iconic Campari bitters were first introduced to the world. As the popularity of aperitivo hour grew, bartenders began experimenting with new ways to showcase Campari's distinctive bitter-sweet flavor.
The Campari Spritz as we know it today emerged as a perfect balance of Campari, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water.
The effervescence of the wine and bubbles complement the robust bitterness of Campari, creating a refreshing and sophisticated drink.
Over time, the Campari Spritz became a beloved fixture in the aperitivo culture of cities like Milan and Venice, becoming a symbol of the Italian art of living well.
Recipe
The Campari Spritz is a beloved Italian cocktail that combines the bold, bittersweet flavor of Campari with the refreshing effervescence of prosecco and the bright citrus notes of soda water.
This vibrant and versatile drink is the perfect aperitif to enjoy on a warm afternoon or as a pre-dinner cocktail.
To craft the perfect Campari Spritz, it's important to strike the right balance between the key ingredients. The ratio of Campari to prosecco can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, allowing you to create a drink that's as bold or as gentle as you desire.
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Campari
- 1 part soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
In a large wine glass filled with ice, combine the prosecco, Campari, and soda water. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
When making a Campari Spritz, be mindful of the ratio of ingredients to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Start with a higher proportion of prosecco if you prefer a lighter, more refreshing drink, or increase the Campari for a more intense, bittersweet profile. Experiment with different ratios to find your personal sweet spot.
Cooking Steps
Fill a wine glass with ice, then add a healthy splash of Campari.
Top it off with some bubbly Prosecco and a dash of soda water.
Garnish with a juicy orange slice to complete this vibrant and refreshing spritz.
Step 1. Fill a Wine Glass With Ice
With a wine glass in hand, start by filling it with ice cubes. This chills the glass, ensuring the Campari Spritz stays refreshingly cool. Use enough ice to fill the glass about three-quarters full.
The ice cubes will melt slowly, keeping your drink at the perfect temperature. Feel free to use a mix of regular ice cubes and larger, slow-melting spheres or cubes. This creates visual interest and allows the drink to stay cold for longer.
Be sure to fill the glass to the top, as the ice will settle as it melts. Filling the glass properly sets the stage for building the perfect Campari Spritz.
Once the ice is in place, you're ready to start layering the other ingredients to craft this classic cocktail.
Step 2. Add Campari
Next, pour in a generous splash of Campari. This vibrant, bitter-sweet Italian aperitif will add a bold, distinct flavor to your spritz.
The deep red hue of the Campari will instantly transform the drink, creating a beautiful ombré effect as it mixes with the other ingredients. Be sure to pour the Campari carefully, as a little goes a long way – you want just enough to balance the sweetness of the prosecco and the tartness of the soda.
Swirl the glass gently to incorporate the Campari, then take a moment to admire the captivating color. The Campari lends an undeniable sophistication to the spritz, setting the stage for the final touches.
Step 3. Add Prosecco
Now that the Campari has infused the drink with its distinctive bitterness and vibrant color, it's time to add the Prosecco.
Carefully pour the chilled, effervescent Prosecco into the glass, filling it about three-quarters full. The Prosecco will create a lovely, bubbly layer that complements the Campari's bold flavor.
Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients and ensure an even distribution of the flavors. The Prosecco's crisp, dry notes will balance the Campari's intensity, resulting in a refreshing and well-rounded spritz.
Be mindful not to overfill the glass, as you want to leave just a bit of room at the top for the garnish.
With the Campari and Prosecco now beautifully layered, your Campari Spritz is nearly complete.
The final step is to add a zesty garnish, which will provide the finishing touch to this classic, Italian-inspired cocktail.
Step 4. Add Soda Water
The final component to complete your Campari Spritz is the addition of soda water. This carbonated mixer will lighten the drink's texture and provide a refreshing effervescence.
Start by adding a few ice cubes to your serving glass. Then, slowly pour the soda water over the ice, making sure to leave a little room at the top of the glass. The amount of soda water you use will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is around 2-3 ounces.
Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients. The soda water will create a lovely fizz and lighten the overall flavor of the Campari Spritz.
Feel free to adjust the ratio of soda to Campari and Prosecco until you achieve your desired taste. The soda water is the final touch that brings this refreshing cocktail together.
Step 5. Garnish With Orange Slice
To complete your Campari Spritz, garnish it with a fresh orange slice. This simple addition brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the bittersweet flavors of the Campari and vermouth.
Choose a thick, juicy slice from a ripe, flavorful orange. Gently squeeze the slice to release the essential oils, then run the peel around the rim of the glass. This will infuse the drink with the vibrant aroma of the orange.
Carefully drop the slice into the glass, allowing it to float atop the sparkling soda water. The vibrant color and subtle sweetness of the orange slice create a visually appealing and delightful finishing touch to your Campari Spritz.
Feel free to experiment with the size and placement of the orange slice to find your preferred look and flavor balance. With this simple garnish, you'll elevate your Campari Spritz into a true work of cocktail art.
Final Thoughts
When all's said and done, the Campari Spritz offers a refreshingly balanced cocktail experience. It's the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and fizz, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. For those who prefer a slightly different flavor profile, the refreshing recipe for cynar spritz is a great alternative. With its unique combination of herbal and bitter notes, it offers a more complex and intriguing cocktail experience. Whether you prefer the classic Campari Spritz or the refreshing recipe for cynar spritz, both options are sure to please any palate.
The vibrant red hue and garnish of orange slice create an eye-catching presentation that's sure to impress your guests.
The key to a great Campari Spritz lies in the proportions – you want to achieve the right ratio of Campari, prosecco, and club soda to achieve the desired flavor profile.
With a little practice, you'll be able to mix up this cocktail with ease. Remember, the Campari Spritz is all about enjoying the moment, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Whether you're relaxing on the patio or hosting a party, this refreshing cocktail is sure to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campari Spritz Suitable for Those With Gluten Intolerance?
When it comes to gluten intolerance, you'll be happy to know that Campari is a gluten-free spirit.
So if you're looking to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, the Campari Spritz can definitely be suitable for your dietary needs.
Just be mindful of any other ingredients in the drink, like the mixer or garnishes, to ensure they're also gluten-free.
As long as you double-check the components, you can confidently indulge in this tasty libation without any worries about gluten.
What Garnishes Are Commonly Used in a Campari Spritz?
When crafting a Campari Spritz, you'll often find classic garnishes like a slice of orange or a green olive.
The citrusy orange pairs beautifully with the bittersweet Campari, while the briny olive complements the sparkling wine.
Some bartenders might even add a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an extra touch of flavor and aroma.
The garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal of the drink but also enhance the overall taste experience.
Can I Substitute Aperol for Campari in a Campari Spritz?
Sure, you can definitely substitute Aperol for Campari in a Campari Spritz!
Aperol has a similar bitter-sweet flavor profile, so it'll give you a similar taste experience. Just mix up your Spritz with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water, then garnish it with an orange slice or olive.
The Aperol Spritz has a slightly sweeter and more citrusy taste compared to the Campari version, but it's just as refreshing and enjoyable.
Give it a try!
How Long Should a Campari Spritz Be Served Chilled?
When serving a Campari spritz, it's best to enjoy it chilled. The drink should be poured over ice and allowed to chill for at least 2-3 minutes before serving.
This helps the flavors come together and ensures a refreshing, cold sip. You can even pre-chill your glasses in the fridge for a few minutes before assembling the drink for an extra frosty experience.
Savor the vibrant, bittersweet notes of the Campari as you sip your chilled cocktail.
Are There Any Non-Alcoholic Alternatives to a Campari Spritz?
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to the Campari Spritz, there are a few options you can try.
One great choice is a Seedlip Spritz, which uses the Seedlip brand of non-alcoholic spirits.
You can also make a mocktail with bittersweet soda or tonic water, lemon juice, and a bit of simple syrup.
These alternatives can provide a similar refreshing and slightly bitter flavor without the alcohol content.
Caterina, with her background as a food scientist and innovative chef, is the driving force behind our product development. Her keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit of perfection guide her as she curates our collection of extraordinary ingredients, beverages, and culinary experiences. Whether she’s sourcing the rarest spices or collaborating with master artisans, Caterina’s passion for elevating the culinary landscape shines through in every new discovery that graces our shelves.
