Whether you’re a Campari newcomer or a longtime Negroni lover, these 16 cocktails are perfect for shaking up your happy hour. From classic Italian aperitifs to modern twists, each recipe is easy to mix at home. Grab your favorite spirit and get ready to explore the bitter, bold world of Campari!
Negroni
Sip into the classic Negroni—a bold, bitter-sweet cocktail that never goes out of style. Equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, stirred to perfection, it’s a timeless aperitivo.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz London dry gin (e.g., Beefeater or Tanqueray)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (e.g., Carpano Antica or Martini & Rossi)
- Ice cubes (for stirring and serving)
- 1 orange peel (for garnish; use a vegetable peeler for a wide strip)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim. This chills and dilutes the cocktail properly.
- Pour 1 oz Campari, 1 oz gin, and 1 oz sweet vermouth over the ice. Use a jigger for exact measurements.
- Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 30 seconds. Stirring—not shaking—keeps the texture silky and prevents dilution from breaking ice too fast.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube or into a coupe glass (no ice). For a classic serve, use one big cube to melt slowly.
- Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it skin-side down to release oils, then rub the rim and drop it in. The citrus aroma balances the bitterness.
Umami from the vermouth and piney bitterness from Campari meld with the botanicals of gin. Serve it as a pre-dinner palate awakener—or sip it slowly while you scroll through cocktail videos.
Americano
The Americano is the cocktail that started it all – a perfect balance of bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, lightened with soda. It's easy to make and even easier to drink. This low-ABV classic is ideal for sipping before dinner.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth (e.g., Carpano Antica or Martini & Rossi Rosso)
- 3-4 oz chilled soda water
- Ice cubes (large, for slow dilution)
For Garnish (optional)
- Orange slice or lemon twist
Instructions
- Start with a chilled highball glass. Fill it completely with ice cubes – large cubes melt slower and keep the drink cold without watering it down.
- Measure 1 1/2 ounces of Campari and pour it directly over the ice. Campari's bitterness is the backbone of the drink.
- Add 1 1/2 ounces of sweet vermouth. Choose a quality vermouth like Carpano Antica or Martini & Rossi Rosso for a richer flavor.
- Top the glass with chilled soda water, approximately 3 to 4 ounces. The soda water should be fresh and bubbly for the best effervescence.
- Stir the mixture very gently with a bar spoon – just one or two turns to combine. Over-stirring will flatten the carbonation.
- Garnish with an orange slice or a lemon twist. Express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel before dropping it in.
Crisp and effervescent, the Americano offers a refreshingly bitter profile that cleanses the palate. Serve it over plenty of ice with a citrus garnish for a beautiful presentation. It's the perfect start to any evening, whether you're hosting or unwinding alone.
Boulevardier
Often overlooked by Negroni fans, the Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon, creating a richer, warmer cocktail. It's stirred, not shaken, to preserve the robust flavors. Perfect for whiskey lovers looking for a bitter twist.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon (use a high-quality one for best flavor)
- 1 oz Campari (adjust to your bitterness preference)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (choose a quality brand like Carpano Antica)
- ice cubes (preferably large for slower dilution)
- orange peel for garnish (express oils over the drink)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir the mixture vigorously for at least 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chilling. Use a bar spoon and stir in a circular motion.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with a large ice cube. The large cube melts slower, keeping the drink strong.
- Express an orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release oils, then rub the rim and drop it in as garnish. Serve immediately.
You'll notice how the bitterness of Campari balances perfectly with the sweet vermouth and the rich bourbon. The result is a smooth, complex cocktail. Serve with a side of dark chocolate for a sophisticated treat.
Campari Soda
Unlike complicated cocktails, this Campari Soda delivers bold bitterness with a bubbly lift. Just three ingredients and you’re set. Perfect for a warm afternoon.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz Campari
- 4 oz soda water, chilled (club soda or seltzer works)
- Ice cubes, large if possible (slows dilution)
- 1 lemon wheel or wedge (for garnish and brightness)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes. Use large cubes to slow dilution and keep it fizzy.
- Pour 2 oz Campari directly over the ice. This first pour ensures the right proportion.
- Top with 4 oz chilled soda water. Pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
- Squeeze a lemon wedge over the drink, then drop it in or garnish with a wheel for extra citrus aroma.
- Stir briefly with a long spoon if desired, but no more than 2-3 turns to keep the fizz intact. Serve immediately.
Once you master this ratio, tweak it to your liking. More soda for a lighter drink, less for intense bitterness. It’s your call. Perfect for lazy afternoons or pre-dinner sipping.
Negroni Sbagliato
Bottoms up! The Negroni Sbagliato swaps gin for prosecco, creating a lighter, bubbly version of the classic cocktail. It’s bitter, sweet, and effervescent—perfect for warm evenings or brunch.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 1 oz Campari (adjust to preference for bitterness)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (such as Martini & Rossi)
- 2 oz prosecco, chilled (or any dry sparkling wine)
- Ice cubes (large cubes melt slower)
For the Garnish
- 1 orange slice or twist (express oils over drink)
Instructions
- Fill a lowball or rocks glass with large ice cubes to minimize dilution.
- Pour 1 oz Campari over the ice.
- Add 1 oz sweet vermouth.
- Top with 2 oz chilled prosecco. Tip: Pour gently down the side to preserve bubbles.
- Stir once very gently with a bar spoon—over-stirring flattens the fizz.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist. Squeeze the twist over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
One sip delivers a perfect balance of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and crisp bubbles. Serve as an aperitivo or at brunch—it’s refreshingly simple yet sophisticated.
Milano-Torino
Keep it simple with the Milano-Torino, a two-ingredient cocktail that predates the Negroni. Equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, stirred over ice—no gin, no fuss. This bitter-sweet classic is your new go-to for an effortless aperitivo.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
Milano-Torino
- 1.5 oz Campari (chill the bottle for a smoother pour)
- 1.5 oz sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
- 1 large ice cube (or 2–3 medium cubes to minimize dilution)
- Orange twist (for garnish, use a vegetable peeler for a clean strip)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass or a sturdy rocks glass with the ice cube(s). Pre-chill the glass if you want the cocktail extra cold.
- Pour 1.5 oz Campari over the ice. Tip: measure precisely for balance.
- Add 1.5 oz sweet vermouth. Use a high-quality vermouth for depth.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds. Focus on chilling, not diluting—watch the glass frost.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube. The second ice keeps it cold without watering it down.
- Express the orange twist over the drink by twisting it skin-side down, then drop it in or rim the glass.
Bitter and herbaceous upfront, with a sweet vanilla finish from the vermouth. Sip it slowly as a pre-dinner palate opener, or serve with a salty snack like olives or almonds. The simplicity lets each ingredient shine—no muddling, no shaking, just pure balance.
Campari Spritz
You want a drink that's light, bubbly, and just a little bitter. This Campari Spritz is your answer. It's three ingredients and a slice of orange—no shaker needed.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco (chilled, or any dry sparkling wine)
- 2 oz Campari
- 1 oz soda water (club soda works too)
- ice cubes (large cubes melt slower, keeping drink fizzy)
- 1 orange slice (for garnish; use a thin slice for best flavor)
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass to the brim with ice cubes. Use large cubes to slow dilution.
- Pour 3 oz chilled Prosecco over the ice. Pour slowly to preserve bubbles.
- Add 2 oz Campari directly into the glass. No need to stir yet.
- Top with 1 oz soda water. Pour gently to avoid losing carbonation.
- Stir the drink once or twice with a long spoon. Over-stirring flattens the spritz.
- Garnish with a thin orange slice. Slide it onto the rim or drop it in.
Crisp and effervescent, the Campari Spritz balances bitter with bright citrus. Serve it as an aperitif or for any lazy afternoon. For a sweeter twist, swap soda water with grapefruit soda.
Garibaldi
Really simple yet sophisticated, this Garibaldi cocktail lets the bright bitterness of Campari shine through fresh squeezed orange juice. It's a classic Italian aperitivo that's perfect for lazy afternoons or pre-dinner sipping.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz Campari
- 4 oz fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz Campari and 4 oz fresh orange juice into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glass over the fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist, if desired.
One sip delivers a perfect balance of bitter and sweet, with Campari's herbal notes cutting through the bright citrus. Over ice, it stays refreshingly cold—ideal for warm weather.
Old Pal
Looking for a classic cocktail that balances bitter and herbal? The Old Pal is your answer. It's a pre-Prohibition drink that's stood the test of time.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz rye whiskey (use a spicy rye like Rittenhouse)
- 3/4 oz Campari (adjust if you prefer less bitter)
- 3/4 oz dry vermouth (such as Dolin)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill a rocks glass or a coupe glass by filling with ice or placing in freezer.
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth.
- Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until well-chilled and diluted. (Tip: Stirring cools without diluting too much.)
- Discard ice from serving glass and strain the cocktail into it.
- Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by twisting it over the surface, then rub the rim and drop it in. (Tip: Use a fresh lemon for best aroma.)
Keen on a crisp, bracing cocktail? The Old Pal delivers a harmonious blend of spicy rye, bitter Campari, and herbal vermouth. Serve it up for a sophisticated start to any evening.
Lucien Gaudin
Looking for a classic cocktail that's both sophisticated and bold? The Lucien Gaudin is a forgotten gem from the Prohibition era, blending gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and Cointreau into a perfectly balanced, herbaceous sipper. It's like a Negroni's more refined cousin.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1 oz gin (London dry recommended)
- 1 oz Campari (adjust to taste for bitterness)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (such as Carpano Antica)
- 1 oz Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
- 1 lemon twist (for garnish, use a peeler for a clean strip)
- Ice cubes (for stirring – use large cubes to minimize dilution)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes – about two-thirds full. This chills the drink efficiently.
- Pour in 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Cointreau.
- Stir the mixture vigorously with a bar spoon for 30–40 seconds. The outside of the glass should feel frosty. This ensures proper dilution and chill.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. A double strain through a fine-mesh sieve catches any ice shards or herbs.
- Express the lemon twist over the drink by holding it peel-side down and twisting to release oils over the surface. Then rim the glass edge with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Crisp, bittersweet, and endlessly sip-worthy: the Lucien Gaudin offers layers of citrus and botanical complexity. For a twist, try it on a large rock with an orange wheel – it stretches the flavors beautifully.
Cardinale
Every time you crave a Negroni but want something drier and lighter, the Cardinale delivers. It swaps sweet vermouth for dry, keeping the bitter complexity but with a crisp finish.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- {'name': 'Gin', 'quantity': '1.5 oz', 'tip': 'London dry style, like Beefeater or Tanqueray'}
- {'name': 'Campari', 'quantity': '1 oz', 'tip': 'adjust to taste if you prefer less bitter'}
- {'name': 'Dry vermouth', 'quantity': '1 oz', 'tip': 'such as Dolin or Noilly Prat'}
- {'name': 'Ice', 'quantity': '', 'tip': 'use large cubes to slow dilution'}
- {'name': 'Orange peel', 'quantity': '1 strip', 'tip': 'for garnish; avoid white pith'}
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass halfway with large ice cubes.
- Pour in the gin, Campari, and dry vermouth.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds—don't shake, as over-dilution mutes the flavors.
- Place a single large ice cube in a rocks glass (chill the glass beforehand for best results).
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as garnish.
The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail with bitter, herbal notes and a clean finish. Serve as an aperitivo to whet the appetite before a meal.
Rosita
This Rosita cocktail swaps gin for tequila, giving the classic Negroni a bold, agave-forward twist. The interplay of bitter Campari and two vermouths creates a balanced, sippable drink.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 1 oz blanco tequila (or reposado for a smoother flavor)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (e.g., Carpano Antica)
- 1 oz dry vermouth (e.g., Dolin Dry)
For Garnish
- 1 strip orange peel (about 2 inches, no pith)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass or pint glass halfway with ice. Use large cubes for slower dilution.
- Add 1 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz dry vermouth.
- Stir the mixture continuously for 30 seconds. This chills and dilutes the cocktail properly without over-diluting.
- Place a large ice cube (or several smaller ones) in a rocks glass. Strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Hold the orange peel by the edges, skin side down, over the drink. Wave a lighter flame 2-3 inches above the peel for a subtle smoky touch (optional). Then twist and rub the peel around the rim of the glass, drop it in.
Crisp, herbal, and slightly sweet, this Rosita is a perfect aperitivo. The tequila's earthy notes shine through the bitter-sweet vermouth blend. Serve with a few olives or salted almonds for a classic Italian-style start to the evening.
Jungle Bird
Known for its bold balance of bitter and sweet, this Jungle Bird brings tropical vibes with a grown-up edge. A tiki classic that's easy to mix at home.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dark rum (use aged Jamaican or Demerara for depth)
- 1.5 tbsp Campari (the bitter heart of the drink)
- 3 tbsp pineapple juice (unsweetened preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (no bottled)
- 0.5 tbsp simple syrup (optional, adjust sweetness)
- Ice cubes (large cubes for slow dilution)
- Garnish: pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Measure and add dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using).
- Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds – you should hear the ice clattering. Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass, leaving behind the ice from the shaker. Tip: Shake hard to properly dilute and chill – a perfect Jungle Bird should be ice-cold.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry on a pick. Tip: Adjust the simple syrup to your taste; the original recipe is not very sweet.
Layered with bittersweet complexity and a fruity finish, this Jungle Bird is perfect for sipping poolside. Serve it in a tiki mug for extra flair, or double the batch for a crowd.
Campari Sunrise
A Campari Sunrise swaps vodka for bitter liqueur, delivering a sophisticated twist on the classic. This three-ingredient cocktail balances bright orange, sweet grenadine, and herbal bitterness for a stunning layered drink.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz Campari (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz fresh orange juice (not from concentrate)
- 1/2 oz grenadine (use good-quality for best flavor)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill a highball glass)
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to the brim.
- Pour 2 oz Campari over the ice.
- Add 4 oz fresh orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour 1/2 oz grenadine down the inside of the glass. It will sink and create a layered sunrise effect. Tip: pour over the back of a spoon for controlled layers.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately. Tip: use a tall spoon to gently push the garnish down if needed.
Zippy and bittersweet, this sunrise sips like a morning in the Mediterranean. The grenadine settles into a ruby base while the Campari keeps it grown-up—perfect for lazy brunches or a pre-dinner aperitivo.
Bitter Giuseppe
With its bold balance of bitter and sweet, the Bitter Giuseppe is a refreshing cocktail that cuts through warm evenings. It's as simple as it is satisfying.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz Campari
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1/2 grapefruit)
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste based on grapefruit tartness)
- Ice cubes (enough for shaking and serving)
- Grapefruit wheel for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Use plenty of ice to ensure proper dilution and chill.
- Add 2 oz Campari, 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Adjust syrup if your grapefruit is especially tart.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold. This ensures the cocktail is well-chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. A Hawthorne strainer works best to keep ice shards out.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wheel, if desired. The oils from the peel add a bright aromatic note.
The result is a crisp, ruby-red cocktail that's both invigorating and complex. Serve it as an aperitivo or a bold nightcap—it works any time.
Enzoni
O for a cocktail that's bitter, sweet, and fruity all at once? Enter the Enzoni. It's a modern classic that muddles fresh grapes with gin and Campari for a refreshing twist.
Serving: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
For the cocktail
- 5 red or green grapes, halved (use ripe grapes for natural sweetness)
- 2 oz gin (London dry recommended)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Optional: grape slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the halved grapes gently until they release their juice and skins are just broken. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness from the seeds.
- Add gin, Campari, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted. Proper shaking ensures the drink is cold and balanced.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a grape slice if desired.
Z has been reached. The Enzoni balances Campari's bitterness with the fruity sweetness of muddled grapes, while lemon brightens every sip. Serve it as an aperitivo on a warm evening or alongside salty snacks—the contrast is killer.
Conclusion
Perfect for any occasion, these 16 Campari cocktails offer a delightful range of flavors from bitter to sweet. We’d love to hear which ones become your go-to! Drop a comment with your favorites and share this roundup on Pinterest to inspire fellow home cooks. Cheers to mixing up something special!
