As far as flavor goes, many cocktail aficionados believe the more bitter the drink, the better. But of the abundance of bitter liqueurs on the market, including those distilled from artichokes and seasoned with saffron, there is perhaps none more famous than Campari. Characterized by its vibrant red hue and signature orange peel, rhubarb, and herbal flavors, the blushing liqueur shines most brightly in an equally-famous famous cocktail: the Negroni.
That said, Negronis (or Negroni Sbagliatos with Prosecco in them) aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean one should swear off Campari for good. There are a number of other tasty builds that incorporate the ingredient, with flavor profiles ranging from fruity with an herbaceous edge to downright bitter bombs.
Read on to check out seven of the best Campari cocktails.
The Enzoni
If you relate to Stanley Tucci and his love for Negronis, consider shaking things up a bit with the Enzoni. The cocktail swaps out the classic’s vermouth for muddled green grapes, which bring a desirable sweetness to the split-base of gin and Campari. With a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness and a touch of simple syrup, the Enzoni is significantly less bitter than many other Campari cocktails, making it an ideal introduction to the bitter liqueur.
See Recipe The Americano
As far as Campari cocktails go, the only concoction more classic than the Negroni is the Americano. First whipped up in 1860s Italy at Gaspare Campari’s own bar, Caffé Campari,