Campari Spritz

The Campari spritz is bitter and bubbly: a refreshing mixed drink for sipping! Make this easy cocktail with 3 ingredients in 3 minutes.

Need a light mixed drink? Try the Campari spritz! Bitter and bubbly, this cocktail mixes that popular aperitif with sparkling wine and soda water. What could be more refreshing? Campari is bitter-forward, so this cocktail is a drink is made for Campari lovers. It’s a nice change from the Negroni or Americano. Here’s how to make it! (If you don’t love bitter flavors, we’d recommend the Aperol spritz instead.)

What’s a Campari spritz?

A Campari spritz is cousin of the popular Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif made with Aperol. The spritz was invented back in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing in…well, water! It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the Aperol spritz took the form it has today. It’s a cocktail on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that there’s an “official” definition. The Campari spritz swaps in Campari! Here’s what’s in a Campari spritz:

• Campari
• Sparkling wine, like Prosecco or champagne
• Soda water (not tonic water)

How to make a Campari spritz

The Campari spritz is so easy to make: there’s no real technique involved at all! Just stir ingredients and top with bubbles. Here are the basic steps (or skip to the recipe):

• Stir: Stir the Campari in a glass with ice to make it cold.
• Top with bubbles: Add the Prosecco and soda water.
• Garnish: Squeeze in juice from a lemon wedge and serve.

Step it up: try clear ice!

If you really want to take your Campari spritz over the top, try making clear ice. This ice is crystal clear, with none of the cloudiness of normal ice. You can cut large chunks and they look just like a fancy bar! They take this drink to superstar level. All you need is 24 hours and a small cooler! Go to How to Make Clear Ice.

Campari vs Aperol: what’s the difference?

The Aperol spritz came first. But Aperol is very similar to Campari. They’re both Italian bitters, also called aperitivos, meaning they’re meant to be served before a meal. They both have a beautiful bright color and are even sold by the same Italian company (Gruppo Campari). So what’s the difference of Campari vs Aperol?

• Campari was invented in Italy in the 1860’s, so it has the longer history of the two. It’s used in classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Americano. It’s bright red and tastes very bitter, with sweet notes like cherry, clove, cinnamon and orange peel. It has a higher alcohol content (48 proof).
• Aperol was also invented in Italy, in 1919. It’s bright orange and most commonly used in the Aperol spritz cocktail. It’s much easier to drink than Campari: the flavor is sweeter and more balanced, with notes of herbs. It has a lower alcohol content (22 proof).

Cousin drinks to the Campari spritz

There are several drinks related to the Campari spritz! If you like this one, you’ll love:

• Americano Bubbly and bitter, the Americano uses Campari, sweet vermouth, and lots of soda water.
• Negroni Sbagliato A spin on the Negroni using Prosecco instead of gin, it’s bubbly and more balanced than the original.
• Aperol Spritz aka Spritz Veneziano Sweet, herbal and bubbly, the Aperol spritz really is as good as all the hype.

More spritzes

If you love bubbly spritzes, make sure to try these spritz recipes:

• Amaro Spritz This bubbly drink has notes of caramel and cola!
• St Germain Spritz This floral, refreshing drink is easy drinking: perfect for summer!
• Lillet Spritz Light and breezy, it features Lillet Blanc and bubbles.

When to serve a Campari spritz

The Campari spritz cocktail is bubbly and refreshing, which makes it perfect for summer occasions. It’s perfect for sipping as a:

• Summer drink
• Before dinner drink (aperitif)
• Cocktail hour drink

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