Adding a bold flavour and bitter punch to any cocktail, Campari has always been a popular liqueur.
Campari was created in 1860 in Novara, near Milan, by Gaspare Campari who experimented with a range of different herbs, spices and other ingredients before perfecting the bitter aperitivo drink. The strong, bold flavour and blood-red colouring makes for an iconic beverage, and the perfect addition to a traditional Italian aperitif cocktail, that’s well-loved across the globe. If you’re wondering what ingredients are used to make Campari then join the club as the recipe is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets!
With the summer season on its way, now is the perfect time to sit outside, soak up the sun and indulge in a delightfully refreshing Campari based cocktail. Here are the 3 best Campari cocktails that Italy has to offer.
1. Milano-Torino Campari Cocktail
First served at Gaspare Campari’s Milan cafe in 1860, the Milano-Torino has been a classic Campari cocktail for decades. Often referred to as a Mi-To by its fans, it can be said that this cocktail was a blueprint for aperitivo classics.
This classic cocktail simply features vermouth and Campari from Milan (Milano in Italian) to create its distinct yet charming flavour. You can easily see how it earned its name. Where Campari is typically too bitter to drink straight, pairing it with vermouth to create the Milano-Torino offers a wonderfully balanced blend for any occasion.
Garnished with an orange twist the Mi-To has an air of sophistication and an unassuming coolness that will take you back to simpler times.
2. Frozen Negroni Bitter Campari Cocktail
With the temperatures rising, what could be better than having a relaxing afternoon in the sun with a classic Negroni cocktail in hand? How about taking it that extra step further and having it frozen instead? You can easily turn your favourite summer cocktail into an ice-cold slushie that will go down almost too easily! Its vibrant colour and bittersweet flavour will make the frozen Negroni cocktail all the more refreshing.
The Negroni is the perfect blend of gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and bitters. If you're planning on using your NIO Negroni Cocktail, then simply pour into a blender full of ice and blend away, to achieve the perfect frozen cocktail. Add a little orange garnish on the side of the glass for decoration and transport yourself to the gorgeous Italian coast.
The Negroni was created in 1919 by Count Camillo who wanted something stronger than the regular Mi-To, so added gin. Thus the dry, bittersweet Negroni we all know and love was born. Perfectly balanced and the ultimate aperitivo, we guarantee you’ll love this punchy cocktail!
3. Campari Prosecco Cocktail
When you think of favourite Italian Campari cocktails to enjoy, the Campari Prosecco cocktail, otherwise known as the Campari Spritz, will more than likely come to mind. Sweet, bubbly and refreshing, this cocktail is ideal for summer occasions or as an aperitivo. One sip of the Campari Prosecco cocktail and you'll be taken straight back to a beautiful and bustling Italian piazza.
The spritz was invented in the 1800s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine with soda water. While the Aperol Spritz came first, soon people were looking for something slightly stronger and so the Campari Spritz was born! Featuring Campari, sparkling Italian wine, or perhaps even some champagne if you're really looking to impress, and soda water, this easy-to-make cocktail will always be a winner.
Served over ice and with either an orange or lemon slice garnish, the Campari Spritz is the ultimate Italian summer cocktail.
Find out more about these 10 classic Italian cocktails that are perfect for the summer months!
Also, take a look at our menu to build a box of pre-mixed cocktails, all of which have been expertly crafted in Milan by our head mixologist, for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home!