As a bartender with years of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of crafting countless cocktails using an array of ingredients. However, one particular liqueur that never fails to impress is Compari. This enigmatic blend of herbs and fruits imparts a distinct bitterness that takes any drink to new heights. What sets Compari apart is its adaptability – it can be combined with almost any spirit to create complex, harmonious concoctions.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of bitter flavors or eager to explore something new, Compari has the versatility to satisfy your cravings. With an endless array of recipes at our fingertips, each one offering a unique flavor profile, there’s no shortage of inspiration for cocktail enthusiasts. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my personal favorites – a mix of classic and innovative combinations that showcase the full range of Compari’s potential.
Mom’s Italian Soda
Looking to toast the start of something new? Mom’s Italian Soda is an elegant and easy-to-make cocktail that’s sure to impress. This Prosecco-based drink gets its sophisticated flavor from just two ingredients: the crisp, fruity taste of Prosecco and the bold, bittersweet notes of Campari. For those who appreciate a hint of bitterness in their drinks, this simple yet sophisticated recipe is a must-try. And the best part?
It’s incredibly versatile – simply adjust the ratio of Campari to Prosecco to suit your taste, or substitute it with Aperol for a slightly different flavor profile. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year or celebrating any special occasion, Mom’s Italian Soda is the perfect choice.
Summer Campari Cocktail
The Summer Campari Cocktail is a masterpiece of mixology that will tantalize the taste buds of any spirits enthusiast. This intricately balanced drink brings together an unexpected union of Campari, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, honey syrup, and India Pale Ale, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors. The velvety sweetness of honey and liqueur expertly counterbalances the herbaceous notes of Campari, yielding a refreshing cocktail that is both tart and intriguing.
With its reliance on familiar ingredients, this cocktail is effortlessly replicable at home, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to create a truly unique and scrumptious drink.
Spritz
A quintessential Italian cocktail, the Spritz boasts a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. Its distinctive hue comes from the combination of Campari, Prosecco, and sparkling water, garnished with vibrant strawberries and oranges. This harmonious blend yields a drink that’s simultaneously bitter and fruity, making it an ideal aperitivo to savor before dinner or on a warm summer afternoon.
With its effortless preparation and versatility in pairing well with various Italian treats, the Spritz is a timeless classic.
Italian Gin and Tonic
A reimagined take on the classic gin and tonic, the Italian Gin and Tonic offers a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for the fall season. The combination of gin, vermouth, and Campari yields a Negroni-inspired taste profile that’s both bold and refreshing. The Campari contributes a crisp bitterness, expertly balancing the resinous notes of the gin, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Not only does this cocktail tantalize the palate, but its crystal-clear appearance, punctuated by a splash of sparkle, makes it a stunning addition to any gathering. If you’re looking to shake things up from your usual gin and tonic routine, the Italian Gin and Tonic is an absolute must-try.
Old Pal Cocktail
For those who revel in the world of classic cocktails, the Old Pal is an absolute must-try. With its trifecta of ingredients – rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth – this refreshing drink is simplicity itself to craft and even more delightful to savor. As a variation of the Negroni and Boulevardier, the Old Pal cleverly incorporates the distinctive flavors of rye whiskey and dry vermouth to create a unique and tantalizing experience.
The harmony of flavors is truly sublime – the spicy warmth of the rye, the bold bitterness of Campari, and the crisp brightness of the dry vermouth all meld together in perfect equilibrium. The added flourish of an orange twist garnish beautifully complements the whiskey’s spiciness, making this drink a true standout.
Whether you’re looking to impress at your next cocktail party or simply want a sophisticated drink to unwind with after a long day, the Old Pal Cocktail is an excellent choice.
Strawberry Negroni
The Strawberry Negroni brings a refreshing spin to the timeless Negroni cocktail, making it an ideal choice for sipping on warm summer days. This revitalized classic combines strawberry-infused Campari and gin with sweet vermouth, yielding a flavor profile that’s both fruity and revitalizing.
With its roots in history, the original Negroni story adds an extra layer of intrigue to this modern adaptation.
If you’re seeking a unique take on the classic cocktail formula, the Strawberry Negroni is definitely worth exploring.
Boulevardier Cocktail
A timeless French classic, the Boulevardier Cocktail has been delighting palates since its inception in the early 1900s. Its complex composition includes bourbon whiskey, vermouth, Campari, and a hint of citrusy freshness from lemon peel, as opposed to orange peel used in traditional recipes. The addition of cognac elevates this variation above the classic, imbuing it with a sophisticated, fruity, and slightly bitter essence.
While sharing similarities with the Manhattan, the Boulevardier boasts a smoother, more refined profile. The aromatic properties of lemon peel introduce a novel dimension to the cocktail, making it an absolute must-try for fans of Manhattans and Negronis alike. For those seeking a complex, yet approachable, blend of flavors with a fruity twist, the Boulevardier is an exemplary choice.
Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
Experience the refined elegance of the Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail, a modern interpretation of the classic Campari recipe. By incorporating sweet-tart blood orange juice, this drink is particularly well-suited to cooler weather. The combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari provides a rich foundation, while the addition of blood orange juice adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
For the ultimate in relaxation, serve this sophisticated cocktail slowly by the warmth of a crackling fire. As the perfect accompaniment to cozy nights in, the Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a nuanced and indulgent drinking experience.
Negroni
The iconic Negroni cocktail, comprising Campari, sweet vermouth, gin, and an intricately crafted orange peel garnish, boasts a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet flavors that tantalize the senses. This sophisticated drink is said to have originated in Florence, Italy, before spreading its charm globally, becoming a beloved staple in bars worldwide. If you’re seeking a complex and revitalizing cocktail to savor on a balmy summer evening, Negroni’s unique allure makes it an absolute must-try.
Americano
Sip into sophistication with the classic Americano, an Italian cocktail that’s equal parts Campari and vermouth, topped off with a splash of soda water. This refreshing blend of bitter, fruity, and spicy flavors makes it the perfect companion for a hot summer day. With its rich history dating back to the 1860s, this timeless drink is sure to transport you to a bygone era of elegance and carefreeness.
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated cocktail to impress or simply looking for a laid-back drink to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, the Americano is an excellent choice.
Garibaldi Cocktail
The Garibaldi Cocktail is an Italian classic that pays homage to Giuseppe Garibaldi, a pioneering figure in Italy’s unification in 1871. Its simplicity belies its complexity, as this two-ingredient concoction strikes a harmonious balance between Campari’s bitterness, fresh-squeezed orange juice’s sweetness and tanginess. The velvety foam that crowns the drink adds an indulgent textural element, while its vibrant red-orange hue makes it a showstopper for gatherings or relaxed evenings.
For a sophisticated yet understated cocktail to wow your guests, look no further than the Garibaldi Cocktail.
Boulevardier
For those who adore the bold flavors of whiskey and Negroni, The Boulevardier is a quintessential cocktail that’s sure to please. This elegant concoction combines equal parts of whiskey, vermouth, and Campari, resulting in a rich, complex drink that’s perfect for savoring over time.
A delicate orange peel garnish adds a touch of elegance to this robust and flavorful cocktail, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the warm, spicy notes of whiskey and the bitter-sweet charm of Negroni.
Negroni Cocktail
A quintessential classic in the world of mixology, the Negroni Cocktail is an expert blend of gin, vermouth, and Campari. Despite its murky origins, it’s believed that this timeless concoction emerged around 1919. Traditionally served in an old fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube, the Negroni is elevated by a stylish garnish featuring an orange peel or slice. The resulting flavor profile is a masterful balance of bitter and sweet notes, underpinned by a distinct orange essence.
Make no mistake – this is a potent drink that’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re seeking a sophisticated and intensely flavorful cocktail experience, the Negroni is an absolute must-try.
Negroni Sbagliato
In the world of Italian cocktails, one drink stands out for its refreshing twist on tradition: the Negroni Sbagliato. This delightful concoction combines equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco to create a lighter, more approachable take on the classic Negroni. The story goes that this accidental creation was born in Milan when a bartender substituted Prosecco for gin, resulting in a drink that’s since gained popularity among cocktail aficionados globally.
Campari Spritz
Indulge in the bold and refreshing world of Campari Spritz, a cocktail that will tantalize your taste buds with its perfect balance of bitterness and citrus flavors. This Italian-inspired drink combines Campari liqueur with prosecco and a splash of club soda, creating a revitalizing beverage that’s ideal for warm weather. The essence of grapefruit, orange, lemon, and subtle herbs from the Campari liqueur meld harmoniously with the effervescence of the prosecco and the crispness of the club soda.
Served in a rocks glass, stemless wine glass, or traditional wine glass, and garnished with an orange slice, this cocktail is a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re seeking to awaken your palate as an aperitif or simply craving a unique drinking experience, Campari Spritz is sure to please even the most discerning of bitter cocktail enthusiasts.
Campari Christmas
Indulge in the festive spirit with the Campari Christmas cocktail, perfect for your next holiday gathering. This intriguing concoction harmoniously blends Campari, vodka, Triple Sec, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco to create a drink that’s as merry as it is unique. The subtle balance of flavors is sure to delight your guests, while the effervescent touch from Prosecco adds an air of sophistication.
Whether you’re a seasoned Campari enthusiast or simply seeking a new holiday cocktail to spice up your celebrations, the Campari Christmas is an absolute must-try.
