Cocktail

21 Campari Cocktails That Aren’t All Negronis and Spritzes

Got a bottle of Campari and not sure how to use it? You've come to the right place.

March 28, 2022

21 Campari Cocktails That Aren't All Negronis and Spritzes

If asked to make a list of Campari cocktails, most drinkers could probably name a few. The negroni, an equal-parts classic (that isn’t always made with exactly equal parts). The boulevardier, a whiskey-based cousin of the aforementioned drink. Perhaps a robust spritz too? But there’s more to Campari, which can add an appealingly bitter edge to any cocktail. Below you’ll find a few of our favorite ways to use the red stuff, including big-batch options, frozen drinks, and cocktails both shaken and stirred. On a cold day you could even toddy it…

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou
1/21
Lipstick Memory
We love how you can pack flavor into Campari cocktails—the red stuff can partner with equally robust ingredients to make vibrantly flavored (and hued) drinks. This cocktail recipe from bartender Christian Suzuki-Orellana partners Campari with tart, unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, fragrant rosemary, plus sparkling wine for fizz.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova
2/21
The Sicilian Slush
This citrusy slush is the perfect hot-weather drink.
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Photo by Andy Sewell
3/21
Garibaldi
Meet your new brunch favorite. This simple two-ingredient cocktail is delicately bitter, fresh and frothy.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton
4/21
Negroni
You hardly need a recipe for this classic Campari drink, but let this serve as a reminder that this delicious aperitivo, made with Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, is perhaps the simplest thing you can stir up for happy hour tonight. If you prefer your drink a little less sweet, just up the gin a little bit.
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Photo by Kelly Puleio
5/21
Bitter French
Ever tasted a French 75? This elegant but easy drink has a similar vibe, plus a gently bitter kick.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
6/21
Scotchy Boulevardiers for a Crowd
Take a negroni, but swap out the gin for a combination of rye whiskey and Scotch, and you get this wintry cocktail that's peppery, dry, and wonderfully savory.
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Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
7/21
Campari Spritz
You can simply use Campari instead of Aperol in a spritz, but here's a fun variation that uses still rosé and a splash of lemon soda. A lemon wheel makes an aromatic garnish.
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Photo by Kelly Puleio
8/21
Perfect Circle
Sherry can add a thirst-quenching brightness and slight salinity to a cocktail. It's all you need for an easy batched drink alongside some Campari and chilled sparkling wine. Serve with salty snacks like chips or olives.
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Photo by Doron Gild
9/21
Rosita
The herbal, citrusy flavors of Campari pair nicely with tequila and both sweet and dry vermouth in this brisk stirred drink.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne
10/21
Jungle Bird
This is one of our favorite cocktails of all time. It's rare to see Campari in a tiki drink, but this one wears it well, pairing the bitter with rich blackstrap rum, frothy pineapple, and fresh lime.
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Photo by John Lee
11/21
Americano Cocktail
This Italian classic couldn't be easier to whip up. Just combine Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water and sip.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kate Schmidt
12/21
Cherry-Bourbon Soda Can Cocktail
Here's an easy-drinking backyard sipper that you can make right in the soda can.
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Photo by Peden & Munk
13/21
Chiltern Firehouse's Negroni
Here's one example of the many ways to tweak a negroni to your taste. Upping the gin gives you a cocktail that's a bit more botanical and a little less sweet.
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Photo by Shutterstock
14/21
Old Pal
If you like Manhattans, you should try this old-school whiskey cocktail, which is made with bourbon or rye, Campari, and dry vermouth, stirred together and garnished with an orange twist.
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Photo by Ted Cavanaugh.
15/21
Sbagliato
A refreshing summer drink made with sweet vermouth, Campari, and prosecco—this version goes even lighter by adding a splash of club soda.
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Photo by Laura Murray
16/21
Afternoon Siesta
Beer adds flavor to a cocktail while keeping things from getting sweet. Here, hoppy IPA pairs up with Campari, blanco tequila, fresh lime, and a touch of agave nectar.
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Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott
17/21
Cran Royale
A homemade cranberry simple syrup makes this sparkling cocktail recipe worthy of any special occasion.
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18/21
East India Negroni
This riff on the classic negroni cocktail is made with rum and a rich, luscious sherry.
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Ma'ayan Rosenzweig
19/21
The Buckley
Make this pink-hued gin cocktail with Cocchi Aperitivo Americano or Lillet Blanc, plus fresh lime and a little Campari. Fresh sage adds complexity and herbal flavor.
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Photo by Andrea Fazzari
20/21
Beer Americano
Replacing soda water with beer makes for a frothy, refreshing twist on the Americano that's perfect for a warm afternoon.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman
21/21
Siesta
Simple Campari cocktails abound, but this one is a must-make. Balanced with fresh lime, grapefruit juice, and a little simple syrup, it makes the tequila and Campari combo bright and refreshing.
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