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With just 3 ingredients, Campari Spritz is a bold and refreshing cocktail that comes together in just 5 minutes. Traditionally served as a pre-dinner drink, this easy cocktail is perfect for parties, too.
There’s nothing better than a cold Campari spritz to wash down a goat cheese pizza with grissini breadsticks on a summer evening!
Campari Spritz Recipe
When it comes to simple and refreshing drinks, Campari Spritz is one of the classics. Similar to the popular Aperol spritz, this cocktail is made with just Campari, prosecco, and club soda. Just three ingredients to make a perfectly bubbly and refreshing cocktail.
Unlike many other cocktails and mixed drinks, Campari spritz is not a sweet cocktail. While the club soda and prosecco, depending on the type used, add a bit of sweetness, Campari itself has a bitter flavor.
These cocktails are traditionally served in Italy as an aperitif before dinner, thanks to their slightly bitter flavor that works as a perfect palate cleanser. It’s ideal for sipping slowly while conversing with friends and loved ones. I, however, love to enjoy these cocktails anywhere and anytime, with a side of eggplant caponata and a few balls of arancini. They’re a great mimosa brunch alternative, and since they come together in seconds, they are perfect for dinner parties or any party at all. I also foresee enjoying one or two of these by the pool during the summer!
What is Campari?
Campari is an Italian aperitif that originated in the 1860s. It’s similar to Aperol, but has a bitter flavor compared to the sweet flavor of Aperol. It’s a bright red drink with hints of cherry, clove, cinnamon, and orange peel. In addition to mixing with prosecco for Campari Spritz, it’s also used to make Americanos (Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water) and Negroni (Campari, gin and sweet vermouth).
What You’ll Need
This bubbly cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients, plus ice and a garnish.
- Campari – Gives this cocktail its bright color and bitter flavor.
- Prosecco – You can also use champagne.
- Club soda – Swapping this out for tonic water is not recommended.
- Orange slices – Added for garnish.
- Ice cubes – For serving.
How to Make a Campari Spritz
This cocktail comes together in 5 minutes or less!
- Chill the Campari. Fill the glasses with ice cubes and gently stir in the Campari.
- Add the other ingredients. Slowly add in the prosecco and top with club soda.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with orange slices and serve.
Tips for Success
There’s not many secrets to making a Campari spritz – it’s pretty straightforward! But, here are a few things I recommend for the best cocktail.
- Chill the Campari. Campari is best served chilled so pop it in the fridge or freezer before making this cocktail.
- Make it a savory drink. For a more traditional, savory pre-dinner drink, you can also garnish a Campari spritz with green olives.
- Use a dry prosecco. While you can use any type of prosecco or champagne for this spritz, I recommend a dry prosecco to avoid making it too sweet – unless you prefer a sweeter drink, of course!
Serving Suggestions
Campari Spritzes are served in large stemmed wine glasses with a straw and are best enjoyed chilled, so serve them right away. Since they’re so easy to make, they’re perfect for dinner parties, and the cocktail looks and feels fancy but comes together in minutes. Pair your spritz with fun appetizers, like bacon-wrapped stuffed mini peppers, crispy coconut shrimp, and smoked salmon dip.
ENJOY!
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Campari Spritz
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 4 ounces Campari, chilled
- 1 cup prosecco
- ⅓ cup club soda
- orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep. Fill two glasses with ice cubes, about ¾ of the way up.
- Combine. Add the Campari and gently stir around. Slowly add in the prosecco and top with club soda.
- Serve. Garnish with orange slices and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
