Campari Spritz

What is the difference between an Aperol Spritz, a Negroni, and a Campari Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and Campari Spritz are distinct cocktails with unique compositions and flavors. An Aperol Spritz is lighter and sweeter, combining Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, making it a refreshing and approachable choice with an ABV of around 11%. In contrast, a Negroni mixes gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in equal parts, offering a more robust and balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and botanical flavors with a higher ABV of around 24%. A Campari Spritz, on the other hand, blends the bold and bitter taste of Campari with the sweetness and effervescence of Prosecco and the lightness of soda water, creating a vibrant and refreshing cocktail, also with an ABV of around 24%. The differences in ingredients, sweetness, bitterness, and alcohol content make each of these cocktails suitable for different palates and occasions.

Campari Spritz Cocktail Variations

Ready to try something new? Check out some of our Campari Spritz variations.

• Cynar Spritz: Standing out with its unique artichoke taste, this spritz adds an herbal twist to the traditional elements, offering a refreshing change. The herbal notes are particularly enjoyable, bringing a fresh and unique taste.
• Non-Alcoholic Spritz: Enjoy the bubbly and refreshing taste of a spritz without alcohol in this version. It retains the classic essence while being inclusive for all.
• Elderflower Spritz: Adding a floral and fragrant touch, this spritz becomes more sophisticated. The use of elderflower liqueur brings a delicate aroma that enhances the overall experience.
• Limoncello Spritz: Perfect for citrus fans, this spritz features a lemony and sweet flavor. The refreshing touch of Limoncello balances well with zesty flavors, ideal for a sunny day.
• Pomegranate Spritz: With a tart and sweet flavor, this choice is fruity and vibrant. Rich in color and deep in flavor, the pomegranate juice is a delightful addition.
• Ginger Spritz: Get a spicy kick from ginger beer or ginger ale in this spritz. The added fizz and spice make it exciting and zesty, with the ginger’s bold and energizing flavor being a highlight.
• Champagne Spritz: Luxurious and refined, this spritz incorporates Champagne for a festive and sophisticated feel.
• Rosé Spritz: Fruity and floral, this spritz uses rosé wine for a light and aromatic option.
• Grapefruit Spritz: Incorporating grapefruit juice, this spritz offers a tangy and slightly bitter taste, refreshing and citrusy. The grapefruit adds a unique flavor.
• St. Germain Spritz: This spritz, made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, delivers sweet and floral notes. The liqueur creates a fragrant and harmonious blend.
• Raspberry Spritz: Adding a sweet and tart flavor, this spritz is enriched with raspberry syrup or liqueur, making it fruity and flavorful.
• Peach Spritz: Enjoy the sweet and juicy flavor of peach in this spritz, derived from peach liqueur or nectar. The peach flavor makes it delightful and tasty.
• Melon Spritz: This spritz includes melon liqueur for a sweet and refreshing taste, perfect for summer enjoyment. The melon flavor enhances its appeal.

History and Origins of the Campari Spritz

The history of the Campari Spritz traces back to the Veneto region of Italy. The term “spritz” originally referred to a wine-based drink in Austria in the 19th century, where soldiers would dilute the local wines with water to make them more palatable. The concept of spritz traveled to the Veneto region during the Austrian Empire’s rule.

Campari, the distinctive ingredient in Campari Spritz, has roots in 1860, when Gaspare Campari invented it in Novara, Italy. It’s a bitter liqueur known for its vibrant red color and unique flavor profile, made from a secret recipe that combines different herbs, plants, and fruit peels.

The combination of the spritz concept with Campari likely occurred in the early 20th century in Northern Italy. Locals would mix sparkling water and wine, and eventually, they started adding a splash of different bitters, including Campari, to create a refreshing and flavorful aperitif. This concoction became especially popular in the Veneto region, where people would enjoy it in the early evening as a palate opener before dinner.

As it is known today, the Campari Spritz gained widespread popularity in the 21st century. It typically consists of Prosecco, Campari, and soda water, garnished with a slice of orange.