As the sun sets on a sweltering summer evening, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family to enjoy a refreshing drink. And what better way to beat the heat than with a glass (or two) of Campari? This iconic Italian liqueur has been a staple of cocktail culture for generations, and its bold, bitter flavor is perfectly suited to the warm weather.
From classic spritzes to innovative twists on old favorites, we’ve gathered 18 of the most refreshing Campari recipes to try this summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want something new to sip on while watching the stars come out, these drinks are sure to hit the spot.
Campari Spritz with Orange Slice
This Italian-inspired cocktail combines the bold flavors of Campari with the sweetness of orange and the fizziness of Prosecco, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 2 oz Prosecco
– Slice of orange (about 1/4 inch thick)
– Splash of soda water (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Campari and Prosecco, stirring gently to combine.
3. Place an orange slice on top of the drink, allowing its citrus aroma to mingle with the flavors below.
4. If desired, add a splash of soda water for extra fizz.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed! This spritz is ready in just 2 minutes.
Negroni Cocktail with Gin and Vermouth
The Negroni is a timeless cocktail that combines the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of gin and vermouth. This recipe yields a perfectly balanced drink with a deep red color.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a thin slice of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Campari Grapefruit Paloma
This revitalizing cocktail combines the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of grapefruit and lime, making it perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated sip.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Campari
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/2 oz tequila (preferably a blanco or silver)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Campari, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, and tequila.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Bitter Campari Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring the bitter notes of Campari.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz Campari
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add Campari and fill shaker with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain mixture into prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: N/A (just mix and serve!)
Campari and Soda with Lime Twist
Experience the refreshing essence of Italy with this classic Campari-based cocktail, elevated by a twist of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 oz Campari
– 4 oz soda water
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 teaspoon)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Campari and top with soda water.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice, releasing its oils into the drink.
4. Stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready to serve!)
Campari Orange Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this unique and tantalizing take on the classic mimosa, featuring Campari’s bold bitter flavors and a splash of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon Campari liqueur
– Slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the orange juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Drizzle the Campari liqueur over the mixture, creating a subtle bitter flavor profile.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready to drink in mere minutes.
Boulevardier Cocktail with Bourbon
Experience the classic Boulevardier cocktail’s unique flavor profile by substituting whiskey with bourbon. This twist adds a rich, warm depth to the original recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
– 1 oz (30 ml) Aperol
– 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Orange peel or twist (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange peel or twist, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation time: ~1 minute)
Campari Strawberry Lemonade
Elevate your summer drinks game with this unique and refreshing Campari Strawberry Lemonade recipe. With the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors, this drink is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup Campari liqueur
– 4 cups lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the sliced strawberries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the Campari liqueur and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Campari Pomegranate Fizz
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Campari with the sweetness of pomegranate and the fizziness of Prosecco, creating a unique and delicious cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 oz Prosecco
– Splash of soda water
– Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Campari, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Prosecco and stir briefly.
6. Add a splash of soda water and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Campari Coconut Cooler
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this Campari Coconut Cooler combines the bitter notes of Campari with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Campari, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Campari Pineapple Punch
Elevate your summer gatherings with this unique and flavorful punch, combining the boldness of Campari with the sweetness of pineapple. Perfect for hot summer days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Campari
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of fresh pineapple and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Campari and pineapple juice.
2. Add simple syrup and stir to dissolve.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple and orange slices.
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready to serve as soon as it’s chilled.
Campari Basil Smash
Campari Basil Smash: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Spritz
Campari Ginger Beer Highball
Combine the bold flavors of Campari with the spicy kick of ginger beer and a splash of citrus for a unique highball that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Slice of lime, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Campari and add a splash of lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a slice of lime over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in minutes.
Campari Blood Orange Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic martini, featuring the bold flavors of Campari and blood orange.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Campari
– 1 oz blood orange juice
– 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional)
– Orange twist or slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Campari, blood orange juice, vodka, and triple sec to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup (1:1 ratio with water) to balance the flavors.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None required!
Campari Rosemary Gin Sour
This Campari-infused take on the classic gin sour cocktail combines the bitter notes of Campari with the herbaceousness of rosemary, resulting in a unique and intriguing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/4 oz rosemary syrup (see note)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Campari to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add rosemary syrup and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Note: To make rosemary syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Campari Mango Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito. The sweetness of mango and the bitterness of Campari balance perfectly to create a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz Campari
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 mint leaves
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– Club soda
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves and mango dice to release their flavors.
2. Add rum, Campari, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Campari Blackberry Smash
This Campari Blackberry Smash is a sweet and tangy cocktail perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of the year. With its bold flavors and vibrant color, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Campari
– 1 oz blackberry puree
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 4-6 oz club soda
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
– Blackberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Campari, blackberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint leaves and blackberries (if using).
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 1
Campari Cucumber Cooler
This Italian-inspired cocktail combines the bitter sweetness of Campari with the crispness of cucumber, perfect for warm weather gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be sipping on this refreshing drink in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Campari
– 1 1/2 oz Prosecco
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in Campari and Prosecco.
3. Squeeze in lime juice.
4. Add diced cucumber to the glass.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
This drink is best served immediately, but can be prepared ahead of time without the Prosecco and Campari. Simply assemble the ingredients just before serving. Enjoy!
Summary
Get ready to beat the summer heat with these refreshing Campari recipes! From classic cocktails like the Negroni and Spritz, to fruity twists like the Strawberry Lemonade and Mango Mojito, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing Campari with grapefruit for a zesty Paloma, or with soda water for a simple yet satisfying highball. For a sweet treat, mix Campari with coconut milk and pineapple juice for a creamy Cooler. Whether you’re hosting a summer soiree or just want to elevate your happy hour game, these 18 recipes are sure to hit the spot!
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