The Campari Spritz is an iconic Italian aperitif that'll delight your tastebuds. It all started in early 20th century Italy with the introduction of the Campari aperitif, which soon became a beloved ritual. The classic recipe blends 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water, garnished with an orange slice. The bittersweet Campari perfectly balances the bubbly effervescence, creating a refreshing cocktail that's easily customized to your preferences. Simply fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the ingredients, and stir gently. It's a crowd-pleasing sipper that'll transport you to the sunny plazas of Italy. To learn more about the fascinating history and evolution of this beloved aperitif…
Key Takeaways
- The Campari Spritz is a classic Italian aperitif cocktail that originated in the early 20th century and gained popularity for its bittersweet flavor and bubbly effervescence.
- The standard Campari Spritz recipe includes 3 parts sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava), 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
- The cocktail is prepared by filling a wine glass with ice, adding the sparkling wine, then the Campari, and finally garnishing with the orange slice.
- Bartenders often experiment with Campari Spritz variations, while maintaining the core essence of the bitter-sweet and effervescent flavors.
- The Campari Spritz is a versatile and refreshing cocktail that is ideal for summer gatherings and casual sipping on the patio.
History
The Campari Spritz has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when the iconic Campari aperitif was first introduced in Italy.
This vibrant, ruby-red liqueur quickly gained popularity as an essential ingredient in classic cocktails, including the famous Negroni.
As the Spritz grew in fame, it became a beloved aperitif ritual across Italy, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the refreshing blend of Campari, prosecco, and soda water. For those looking to mix up their Spritz experience, many bars and restaurants offer variations on the classic recipe. One popular option is the negroni sbagliato spritz recipe, which swaps out the traditional Campari for a negroni sbagliato for a bittersweet twist on the original. This exciting twist is just one example of the innovative ways in which the Spritz has become a staple of Italian aperitivo culture.
The Spritz's signature bitter-sweet flavor and bubbly effervescence made it the perfect companion for casual gatherings and lively conversations.
Over the decades, the Campari Spritz has evolved, with bartenders and mixologists experimenting with new twists and variations.
Yet, the core essence of this iconic drink remains – a delightful balance of bitter and sweet, perfectly suited for any occasion.
Today, the Campari Spritz continues to captivate palates around the world, a timeless testament to the enduring appeal of Italian aperitif culture.
Recipe
The Campari Spritz is a classic and refreshing Italian aperitif that's perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
This bubbly cocktail combines the bittersweet flavors of Campari with the crisp effervescence of sparkling wine, creating a truly delightful and easy-to-make drink.
The Campari Spritz is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that's easy to customize to your personal taste.
Whether you prefer a more bitter or a sweeter profile, this versatile drink can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
- 3 parts sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or Cava)
- 2 parts Campari
- 1 part soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
In a wine glass filled with ice, combine the Campari and sparkling wine.
Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
For a slightly sweeter version, you can increase the proportion of sparkling wine.
Alternatively, for a more bitter profile, add a little more Campari.
Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect Campari Spritz.
Cooking Steps
Fill a wine glass with ice, then pour in the sparkling wine.
Add a splash of Campari and finish with an orange slice.
Gently stir everything together before serving up this classic Campari Spritz.
Step 1. Fill a Wine Glass With Ice
To start, grab a wine glass and fill it generously with ice cubes. This chilled base will help keep your Campari Spritz nice and refreshing.
Make sure to use enough ice to really chill the drink – you want those cubes to almost reach the top of the glass. The ice will slowly melt, diluting and cooling the cocktail as you sip. Fill the glass to the brim, packing in as many ice cubes as you can. This gives you the perfect canvas to build your Campari Spritz on.
With the glass full of ice, you're ready to start assembling the other components. Next, you'll want to add a generous splash of Campari, the key ingredient that gives this spritz its distinctive bitter-sweet flavor.
Follow that up with some sparkling wine, and you're nearly there! The final touches are a twist of orange peel and a straw for easy sipping.
Get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of bitter, fizzy, and refreshing.
Step 2. Add Sparkling Wine
Next, add a generous splash of sparkling wine to the ice-filled glass. The effervescent bubbles will dance and swirl, creating a lively and refreshing addition to the Campari's bold flavor.
Be sure to pour the sparkling wine slowly, allowing it to gently cascade over the ice. This will help preserve the carbonation and ensure a perfect spritz.
The sparkling wine's crisp, dry notes will complement the bittersweet Campari, creating a harmonious and well-balanced cocktail.
Feel free to experiment with different styles of sparkling wine, from classic Prosecco to drier Cava or Champagne, to find your personal preference. The key is to find a balance that tantalizes your taste buds and makes for a truly enjoyable sipping experience.
With the sparkling wine added, your Campari Spritz is now ready to be enjoyed.
Step 3. Add Campari
Now, add a generous pour of Campari to the ice-filled glass. This Italian aperitif brings a bold, bittersweet flavor that's essential for the Campari Spritz. Its bright red hue also adds a vibrant pop of color to the drink.
Be sure to pour about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of Campari – enough to give the cocktail its signature taste without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Next, give the glass a gentle stir to incorporate the Campari. You want the flavors to meld together before topping it off with your sparkling wine.
The bubbly will help balance out the bitterness of the Campari, creating a refreshing and effervescent sip. Remember, the Campari is the star here, so don't be shy with the pour.
This is a bold, Italian-inspired cocktail, after all. With the Campari added, your Campari Spritz is really starting to take shape!
Step 4. Add Orange Slice
Garnish the Campari Spritz with a fresh orange slice. This simple yet elegant garnish adds a beautiful pop of color and a burst of citrus flavor to balance the bitterness of the Campari.
Take a thin slice of an orange, about 1/4 inch thick, and gently place it on the rim of the glass. The vibrant orange hue will immediately draw the eye and invite you to take a sip.
As you enjoy the cocktail, the orange slice will infuse the drink with its natural oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This garnish isn't just for show – it's an integral part of the Campari Spritz experience.
The combination of the bitter Campari, the bubbly prosecco, and the zesty orange creates a harmonious and refreshing sip that will delight your senses.
Step 5. Stir Gently Before Serving
After adding the fresh orange slice, give the Campari Spritz a gentle stir to incorporate all the flavors.
You want to avoid vigorous stirring, which could dilute the drink and make it lose its fizz. Instead, use a bar spoon and make slow, circular motions to gently mix the Campari, Prosecco, and club soda. This will ensure the flavors blend harmoniously without overmixing.
When you're ready to serve, dip the back of a spoon into the drink and let the liquid drip off to create a beautiful, layered effect in the glass.
The orange slice should float on top, adding a vibrant pop of color and a fresh citrus aroma. Serve the Campari Spritz immediately, as the carbonation is best enjoyed right away.
Sip and savor the perfect balance of bittersweet Campari, dry Prosecco, and zesty orange. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is sure to delight your senses.
Final Thoughts
The Campari Spritz is a refreshing and versatile cocktail that deserves a spot in your summer repertoire.
Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or sipping on the patio, this vibrant red drink is sure to impress. The balance of bitter Campari, bubbly prosecco, and zesty citrus makes for a truly delightful sipping experience.
Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different garnishes or a splash of soda water to suit your personal taste. The Campari Spritz is a crowd-pleasing classic that's easy to mix up and perfect for warm weather celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Alcohol Content in a Campari Spritz?
The alcohol content of a Campari Spritz can vary, but it's typically around 10-12% ABV (alcohol by volume).
This means the drink contains 10-12% pure alcohol. To give you a better idea, that's similar to the alcohol content in a glass of wine.
Can I Substitute Prosecco With Another Sparkling Wine?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute prosecco with another sparkling wine in your cocktail.
Cava, Champagne, or even a dry sparkling rosé would work great.
Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might be a bit different, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients to balance the drink.
Have fun experimenting and finding your perfect sparkling wine swap!
How Long Will a Campari Spritz Stay Fizzy?
A sparkling wine spritz typically stays fizzy for 30 to 60 minutes.
The carbonation in the wine will gradually dissipate once it's mixed with other ingredients and exposed to air.
To keep your spritz bubbly as long as possible, use chilled glassware and chill the wine before mixing.
Stir gently to avoid losing too much fizz.
Enjoy your spritz while it's at its most effervescent for the best experience!
Can I Make a Pitcher of Campari Spritz in Advance?
Yes, you can absolutely make a pitcher of your drink in advance!
Pre-batching cocktails is a great way to save time and effort when entertaining. Just be sure to prepare the pitcher without the carbonated soda component, which you'll want to add right before serving.
This will help the drink stay nice and fizzy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply pour over ice and top with the bubbly soda. Easy peasy!
What Are Some Garnish Alternatives to the Orange Slice?
When it comes to garnishing your drinks, you've got plenty of options beyond the classic orange slice.
Try a lemon twist, a lime wedge, a sprig of rosemary, or even a few olives. These alternatives can add a unique twist to your cocktail and complement the flavors beautifully.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different garnishes to find what suits your taste buds best. The possibilities are endless!
Oliver is a beverage connoisseur with expertise in everything from craft cocktails to artisanal coffee and tea. His focus is on exploring the history, flavors, and techniques behind both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
