The Story
Italy's most iconic bitter. The foundation of the Negroni, the Americano, and a century of aperitivo culture.
Campari has been made to the same secret recipe since 1860 — a proprietary infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and citrus in alcohol and water. That recipe has never been published and has never changed. What you're getting is exactly what bartenders have been building classics around for over 160 years: intensely bitter, deeply aromatic, and unmistakably red.
At 24% ABV it's a true spirit, not a flavored liqueur. It commands any cocktail it's in rather than blending into the background, which is why it remains one of the most important bottles behind any serious bar.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, vivid red — one of the most recognizable colors in spirits.
- Aroma: Bitter orange peel, cherry, clove, cinnamon, and a medicinal herbal depth.
- Palate: Bold and intensely bitter upfront, with layers of citrus, spice, and dark fruit underneath.
- Finish: Long, dry, and persistently bitter — exactly what you want in an aperitivo.
How to Serve
- Negroni (classic): 1 oz Campari, 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth. Stir over ice, strain, orange peel garnish.
- Americano: 1.5 oz Campari, 1.5 oz sweet vermouth, top with soda water. Orange slice.
- Campari Spritz: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Campari, 1 splash soda. A bolder, more bitter alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
- On the rocks: Straight over a large ice cube with an orange twist — the simplest way to appreciate it neat.
Specs
- Category: Aperitivo Liqueur
- ABV: 24%
- Size: 750ml
- Origin: Milan, Italy
- Since: 1860
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between Campari and Aperol? Campari is darker, more intensely bitter, and higher in alcohol (24% vs 11%). Aperol is lighter, more citrus-forward, and approachable for casual drinkers. Campari is the go-to for classic cocktails like the Negroni; Aperol dominates the Spritz.
- What makes Campari red? Originally the color came from carmine dye derived from cochineal insects. Since 2006, Campari has used artificial coloring instead, but the recipe and flavor remain identical.
- Can I substitute Campari in a Negroni? You can, but the Negroni was built around Campari's specific bitterness profile. Substitutes like Aperol or Cynar will produce a noticeably different drink.
- How long does Campari last once opened? Indefinitely at room temperature if sealed. The high alcohol content preserves it, though flavor is best within 1–2 years of opening.
Description
Italy's most iconic bitter. The foundation of the Negroni, the Americano, and a century of aperitivo culture.
Campari has been made to the same secret recipe since 1860 — a proprietary infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and citrus in alcohol and water. That recipe has never been published and has never changed. What you're getting is exactly what bartenders have been building classics around for over 160 years: intensely bitter, deeply aromatic, and unmistakably red.
At 24% ABV it's a true spirit, not a flavored liqueur. It commands any cocktail it's in rather than blending into the background, which is why it remains one of the most important bottles behind any serious bar.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, vivid red — one of the most recognizable colors in spirits.
- Aroma: Bitter orange peel, cherry, clove, cinnamon, and a medicinal herbal depth.
- Palate: Bold and intensely bitter upfront, with layers of citrus, spice, and dark fruit underneath.
- Finish: Long, dry, and persistently bitter — exactly what you want in an aperitivo.
How to Serve
- Negroni (classic): 1 oz Campari, 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth. Stir over ice, strain, orange peel garnish.
- Americano: 1.5 oz Campari, 1.5 oz sweet vermouth, top with soda water. Orange slice.
- Campari Spritz: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Campari, 1 splash soda. A bolder, more bitter alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
- On the rocks: Straight over a large ice cube with an orange twist — the simplest way to appreciate it neat.
Specs
- Category: Aperitivo Liqueur
- ABV: 24%
- Size: 750ml
- Origin: Milan, Italy
- Since: 1860
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between Campari and Aperol? Campari is darker, more intensely bitter, and higher in alcohol (24% vs 11%). Aperol is lighter, more citrus-forward, and approachable for casual drinkers. Campari is the go-to for classic cocktails like the Negroni; Aperol dominates the Spritz.
- What makes Campari red? Originally the color came from carmine dye derived from cochineal insects. Since 2006, Campari has used artificial coloring instead, but the recipe and flavor remain identical.
- Can I substitute Campari in a Negroni? You can, but the Negroni was built around Campari's specific bitterness profile. Substitutes like Aperol or Cynar will produce a noticeably different drink.
- How long does Campari last once opened? Indefinitely at room temperature if sealed. The high alcohol content preserves it, though flavor is best within 1–2 years of opening.
