My two favorite drinks are an Aperol Spritz which is my favorite drink to enjoy before dinner, and a negroni which is my favorite after dinner drink. I don’t know why it took me so long to discover a campari spritz but it has quickly become my favorite drink because it’s the perfect combination of the two with the bitterness of campari mixed with the refreshing lightness of an aperol spritz.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love A Campari Spritz
- The bubbly Prosecco and a splash of club soda beautifully balance Campari’s bold bitterness. It’s not too sweet and not too dry.
- It’s the perfect cross between aperol spritz and a campari! Two classic italian drinks.
- This classic Campari cocktail is incredibly refreshing—ideal for summer afternoons, girls’ nights, or family gatherings.
- Rest assured, there is an excellent guilt-free mocktail option below!
- It’s so gorgeous! The eye-catching color alone makes it feel like you’re drinking something special.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Prosecco: Dry Prosecco adds a bright, fizzy lift that pairs perfectly with Campari’s bitterness. You can find a bottle of Campari at any local liquor store.
- Campari: The star of the show! The bitter flavors of Campari have a blend of aromatics, fruit, and herbs, plus the color is so gorgeous!
- Club soda: Use your favorite brand of soda water. Schweppe’s and Topo Chico are great options.
- Garnishes: Green Olives or an orange slice are my go to choices. I find the orange slice looks beautiful with the red Campari and adds a sweet zest.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Stemmed or Stemless Wine Glasses
- Shot Glass for measuring
- Cocktail Stirrer or Spoon
Preserve The bubbles
You want to build it over ice and start with the Prosecco, then Campari, and finish with soda water. This helps preserve the bubbles and creates a more balanced flavor. Stir gently once, just to mix the ingredients without flattening the fizz.
How to Make This Campari Spritz Recipe
- Add ice cubes to a glass.
- Add in the prosecco, Campari, and club soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with olives on a toothpick and the optional slice of orange.
How to Modify
- Change up your sparkling wine for a delicious Champagne or Cava.
- Use unflavored sparkling water like LaCroix, Perrier, or San Pellegrino instead of club soda
- Add a splash of fresh orange juice for a stronger orange flavor.
Common Questions
Prosecco and Champagne are both sparkling wines, but they differ significantly in origin, production, and flavor. Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using the traditional method, where a second fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in fine, persistent, long-lasting bubbles and complex flavors. It’s typically made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Prosecco, on the other hand, originates from northeastern Italy and is produced using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation occurs in large tanks. This gives it lighter, yet stronger bubbles and a fresher, fruitier profile with notes of green apple, pear, and white flowers. For the perfect Campari spritz, I love to use it in this classic cocktail because it complements the bubbles of the club soda perfectly.
Originally founded by Gaspare Campari in 1860, it has become a symbol of Italian aperitivo culture. Campari is in the bitter liqueurs family, known for its bold flavors and vibrant red color. It is infused with aromatic plants, fruit, and herbs. It has a strong flavor of orange and spices as well. If you love a complex flavor that starts sweet but ends with a depth of bitterness, you will love this. In addition to being used in Campari spritzes, it is commonly used in a classic Negroni with gin and sweet vermouth, or an Americano cocktail with sweet vermouth and club soda.
Here are a few more cocktails and refreshing drinks you might enjoy..
If you make this Campari Spritz recipe, let me know in the comment section below. I would love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
Campari Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces campari
- 1 ounce club soda
- 3 green olives on a toothpick for garnish
- Slices of orange as an optional garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a glass. Add in the prosecco, campari and club soda. Stir.
- Garnish with 3 olives on a toothpick and/or a slice of orange
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
