CocktailRecipes

Campari and Soda Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Campari and Soda recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Campari
Alcohol 10%
Calories 150 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 2 minutes

Imagine wanting to make the perfect Campari and Soda—well, you’re in luck! This lovely drink is a symphony of bitter, sweet, and bubbly, an absolute treat for your taste buds. We’ll dive into its rich history, the dance of flavors that make it so unique, and even how to pair it with delicious foods, all while keeping things fresh and light. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together! ⬇️

History

Campari and Soda is an Italian classic that dates back to the 1860s. It was created by Gaspare Campari in his café in Milan. This cocktail quickly became a symbol of Italian style and sophistication.

  • The name ‘Campari’ comes from its inventor, Gaspare Campari.
  • The drink was originally colored with carmine dye derived from cochineal insects.
  • It gained popularity in the Italian Futurist movement as a symbol of modernity.

The taste of a Campari and Soda?

A Campari and Soda tastes bittersweet with a hint of citrus. The effervescence of the soda water makes it a refreshing choice for any time of day.

I personally love drinking Campari and Sodas because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Campari and Soda

  • Campari was the first drink advertised with a poster, starting the trend of drink poster art.
  • The cocktail’s red hue is now achieved with an artificial color after a recipe change in 2006.
  • Campari and Soda is often enjoyed during the Italian aperitivo, a social pre-meal tradition.

Ingredients

  • Campari: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Soda Water: To top up
  • Ice Cubes: As needed
  • Orange Slice: For garnish

Highball glass is the ideal vessel for a Campari and Soda. The tall shape allows the bubbles to rise, enhancing the effervescence. A rocks glass could also be suitable, offering a more casual experience.

Recipe. How to make Campari and Soda

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in 2 oz (60ml) of Campari.
  3. Top the glass with soda water and gently stir.
  4. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Campari and Soda can be a little high in sugar, but you can make a healthier version with natural sweeteners. Plus, the bitterness of Campari is said to aid digestion!

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Food Pairings

Certain bites can really elevate your Campari and Soda experience. Here are some food pairings that match the cocktail’s character and can take your tasting to the next level.

Olives

The saltiness of olives balances the bitterness of Campari, providing a delightful contrast that enhances the drink’s flavor.

Prosciutto

The sweet and savory notes of prosciutto complement the unique taste of Campari, making for a sumptuous combination.

Citrus Salad

A fresh citrus salad can echo the cocktail’s subtle citrus hints, creating a harmony of flavors that’s perfect for a light meal.

I savor the distinctive flavor of Campari and Sodas—the cool, refreshing feeling is just unbeatable after a busy day.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh soda water for the best fizz in your cocktail.
  • Try adding a dash of orange bitters for an extra layer of complexity.
  • For a twist, experiment with different garnishes like a lemon twist or fresh herbs.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Campari and Soda, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Campari and Soda

  • Soda Water: Can be replaced with tonic for a different kind of bitterness.
  • Ratio: Adjust the Campari to soda ratio for a stronger or milder flavor.
  • Garnish: Switch out the orange slice for grapefruit or lemon for a twist.

Campari and Soda Variations

American Beauty

  • Ingredients: Campari, dry vermouth, grenadine, and orange juice.
  • Recipe: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, strain into a chilled glass.

Sbagliato

  • Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine.
  • Recipe: Combine Campari and vermouth over ice, top with sparkling wine.

Garibaldi

  • Ingredients: Campari and fresh orange juice.
  • Recipe: Pour Campari over ice, fill with orange juice, and stir gently.

For a non-alcoholic version, mix an ounce of alcohol-free bitter syrup with soda water. Add ice and garnish with an orange slice for that classic feel.

Q&A

Can I use any type of soda in a Campari and Soda?

While soda water is traditional, feel free to experiment with tonic or flavored seltzer for a personalized touch!

Is Campari and Soda suitable for every occasion?

Absolutely! Its versatility makes it a refreshing choice for a sunny brunch or a chic evening affair.

How can I make my Campari and Soda stand out at a party?

A unique garnish, like a sprig of rosemary or a curly lemon peel, can add a sophisticated twist.

What food should I avoid pairing with a Campari and Soda?

Heavy foods can overpower the drink’s delicate balance, so stick to light appetizers and snacks.

Can I prepare a Campari and Soda in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the Campari and garnishes and add soda when serving.

Is there a way to make a Campari and Soda less bitter?

Try adding a splash of simple syrup or using a sweeter soda to soften the bitterness.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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