Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur that is typically made from a blend of over 60 different herbs, plants, and fruits. It has a distinctive red color and is often served as an aperitif before a meal. Some people also mix it with tonic water or soda water to make a cocktail called an Americano. It is known for its strong, bitter flavor, which some people love and others find a bit too intense. It is often described as having flavors of orange, herbs, and spices, with a slightly sweet and bitter finish. Overall, Campari is a polarizing drink that tends to be either loved or hated, but it is certainly an acquired taste and not for everyone.
Tasting notes of campari
Campari has a distinctive flavor that is often described as bitter, citrusy, and slightly sweet. It is made from a blend of over 60 different herbs, plants, and fruits, which contribute to its complex flavor profile. Some people taste notes of orange, herbs, and spices in Campari, while others detect hints of cherry, raspberry, or other fruit flavors. The finish of Campari is typically bitter and slightly sweet. It is a strong, bold flavor that can be a bit intense for some people, but others love the unique taste. If you’re not sure whether you’ll like Campari, you might want to start by trying a small amount in a cocktail or mixed with a soda or tonic water to see how you like it.
History of Campari
Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur that was first created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in the city of Novara, Italy. At the time, Gaspare was a bartender who owned his own cafe, and he began experimenting with different ingredients and recipes to create new and interesting drinks. One of his creations was a bright red, bitter liqueur that he called Campari.
The recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret, but it is known that it is made from a blend of over 60 different herbs, plants, and fruits, which are macerated in water and alcohol to extract their flavors. The resulting infusion is then mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar and water, to create the final liqueur.
Over time, Campari became increasingly popular and started to be exported around the world. Today, it is one of the most well-known and widely consumed Italian liqueurs, and it is enjoyed by people all over the world as an aperitif before a meal or as a mixer in cocktails.
Popular Campari Cocktails
There are many different cocktails that feature Campari as a key ingredient. Here are a few popular ones:
- Americano: This classic cocktail is made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It is served over ice and garnished with an orange slice.
- Negroni: A Negroni is made with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, and it is served over ice with a slice of orange.
- Boulevardier: A Boulevardier is similar to a Negroni, but it is made with bourbon in place of gin.
- Aperol Spritz: This refreshing cocktail is made with Aperol (a sweeter, less bitter Italian liqueur similar to Campari), Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. It is often served in a wine glass with a slice of orange.
- Campari Soda: This is a simple and easy-to-make cocktail that is made by mixing Campari with soda water and serving it over ice. It is a refreshing and light summertime drink.
- Campari and Grapefruit Juice: This simple cocktail is made by mixing equal parts Campari and grapefruit juice and serving it over ice. It is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for a summer day.
