Campari Spritz
The Campari Spritz is a classic Italian aperitivo made with Campari, Prosecco and soda water. Following the easy 3-2-1 ratio, this vibrant red cocktail combines bittersweet orange, herbal notes and refreshing bubbles. Ready in just 3 minutes, it's a bold and refreshing alternative to the sweeter Aperol Spritz.
Campari Spritz Recipe
- Campari 60 ml
- Prosecco 90 ml
- Soda water 30 ml
- Fresh orange 1 slice
- Ice 200 g
Make it properly
- Fill a large wine glass with approximately 200 g of ice.
- Pour in 90 ml well-chilled Prosecco, followed by 60 ml Campari.
- Add 30 ml chilled soda water and stir gently once or twice to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CAMPARI SPRITZ?
A great Campari Spritz balances Campari's distinctive bitterness with the crisp fruitiness of Prosecco and refreshing carbonation from soda water. The classic 3-2-1 ratio creates a bold Italian aperitivo with flavours of bitter orange, citrus and aromatic herbs.
Choose a dry Brut Prosecco to balance Campari's intensity without adding unnecessary sweetness. Use plenty of ice and well-chilled ingredients, and stir gently to preserve the bubbles. Compared with an Aperol Spritz, the Campari version is generally more bitter, complex and intensely flavoured.
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CAMPARI SPRITZ: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a Campari Spritz, from choosing the right Prosecco and soda water to balancing Campari's bittersweet character with crisp bubbles and fresh orange.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A CAMPARI SPRITZ
The defining ingredient is Campari Bitter, the iconic Italian aperitivo known for its distinctive bitter orange, citrus and herbal character. Its intense flavour gives the Campari Spritz a bolder profile than lighter, sweeter Spritz variations.
For the sparkling wine, Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut DOC is an excellent choice. Its crisp acidity and lively bubbles balance Campari's bitterness while keeping the cocktail refreshing. A dry Prosecco generally works better than a sweeter sparkling wine.
Complete the drink with Fever-Tree Premium Soda Water, which adds clean carbonation without overpowering the other ingredients. A fresh orange slice provides the finishing citrus aroma and complements Campari's bittersweet character.
HOW TO BALANCE A CAMPARI SPRITZ
The classic Campari Spritz follows a simple 3-2-1 ratio: 90 ml Prosecco, 60 ml Campari and 30 ml soda water. This combination creates a refreshing cocktail that retains Campari's characteristic bittersweet flavour.
If you prefer a lighter, less intense Spritz, reduce Campari slightly or add a little more soda water. For a bolder, more bitter cocktail, keep the full 60 ml Campari and use a crisp, dry Prosecco. Avoid sweet sparkling wines, which can make the drink feel heavier and reduce its refreshing character.
ORIGINS OF THE CAMPARI SPRITZ
The Campari Spritz belongs to Italy's long aperitivo tradition, where bitter aperitifs are enjoyed with sparkling wine and soda water before a meal.
Campari was created in Italy in 1860 and became one of the country's most recognisable bitter aperitifs. Combining it with Prosecco and soda water creates a longer, sparkling cocktail that preserves Campari's distinctive bittersweet flavour while making it lighter and more refreshing.
Today, the Campari Spritz is a popular alternative to the Aperol Spritz, particularly for drinkers who prefer a more pronounced bitter orange and herbal character.
HOW TO MAKE IT. BUILD, TOP & STIR
The Campari Spritz is built directly in the serving glass, so no cocktail shaker is needed. Start with plenty of ice and add chilled Prosecco before pouring in the Campari. Finish with soda water and stir gently to combine.
Using cold ingredients helps preserve the sparkling texture, while minimal stirring prevents the Prosecco and soda water from losing their bubbles. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately for the best flavour and presentation.
HOW TO SERVE A CAMPARI SPRITZ
Serve a Campari Spritz in a large wine glass filled generously with ice. The generous bowl provides enough space for the 180 ml cocktail, plenty of ice and a fresh orange garnish.
Use a slice of fresh orange to complement Campari's bittersweet citrus flavours. For extra aroma, gently squeeze a piece of orange peel over the glass before serving.
A Campari Spritz is best enjoyed immediately while the Prosecco and soda water are cold and sparkling. It pairs particularly well with classic Italian aperitivo snacks such as olives, salted nuts and savoury bites.
Questions about the Campari Spritz
What is a Campari Spritz made with?
A Campari Spritz combines Campari, Prosecco and soda water, served over plenty of ice and garnished with fresh orange.
How is a Campari Spritz different from an Aperol Spritz?
Campari has a more intense bitter and herbal character than Aperol, giving the Campari Spritz a bolder, less sweet flavour.
What Prosecco is best for a Campari Spritz?
A crisp, refreshing Prosecco works best. Drinkero recommends Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut DOC.
How much Campari is in a Campari Spritz?
Our recipe uses 60 ml of Campari per cocktail.
What glass should I use for a Campari Spritz?
Use a large wine glass with plenty of ice and finish with a fresh orange slice.
Can I make Campari Spritzes for a group?
Yes. Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 cocktails in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder and the required ingredient quantities are calculated for you.