If there was ever a drink that captures the carefree magic of sunny afternoons and sparkling conversations, it’s the Campari Spritz. This cocktail is pure Italian charm in a glass: brilliantly ruby, effortlessly chic, and beautifully bubbly. Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer brunch or winding down after work, the Campari Spritz is a vibrant, bittersweet refreshment that instantly lifts any occasion. With its punchy citrus, lively bubbles, and unmistakable sunset hue, this simple classic can transport you to an alfresco café in Milan—no passport necessary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Campari Spritz:
- 3 ounces Campari
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounce soda water
- ice cubes
- orange slice for garnish
How to Make Campari Spritz
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Start by choosing a large wine or spritz glass, and fill it generously with ice cubes. Don’t be shy—the more ice, the longer your Campari Spritz stays beautifully chilled. Plus, a full glass of ice sets the stage for those gorgeous bubbles to mingle as you pour.
Step 2: Pour in the Campari
With your glass ready, measure out 3 ounces of Campari and pour it directly over the ice. The vibrant red instantly signals you’re in for something uniquely Italian. Campari forms the bittersweet heart of this cocktail, so its bold color and flavor can truly shine here.
Step 3: Add Prosecco
Next, top the Campari with 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco. Pour gently so you preserve those lively bubbles—watch the crimson swirl into gold, and feel free to pause a moment just to admire the show. The sparkling wine not only lightens the bitterness but also brings a celebratory, fruity lift.
Step 4: Top with Soda Water
Add 1 ounce (just a splash!) of soda water to your glass. This lift of effervescence ties everything together, and keeps your Campari Spritz crisp and refreshing. If you’re in the mood for a sweeter touch, try using blood orange soda instead.
Step 5: Stir Gently and Garnish
Give your cocktail a gentle stir to combine but don’t overmix—you don’t want to lose those sparkling bubbles. Finally, slide an orange slice onto the rim or drop it right in for a hit of aromatic citrus. Your Campari Spritz is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Campari Spritz
Garnishes
An orange slice is the traditional—and most beloved—garnish for a Campari Spritz. It highlights the drink’s citrus notes and adds visual flair. For a twist, try a lemon wheel, a sprig of rosemary, or even a few pomegranate arils for a burst of color and fragrance. These little extras take your presentation to the next level and make each glass feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
No Italian aperitivo hour is complete without tasty bites to nibble alongside your Campari Spritz. Think salty snacks like marinated olives, crunchy roasted nuts, thinly sliced prosciutto, or bite-sized crostini piled with tomato and basil. The cocktail’s bittersweetness beautifully complements savory, salty flavors, enhancing both the drink and your snacks.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun with your Campari Spritz presentation! For parties, set up a DIY spritz bar with bowls of fruit slices, sprigs of herbs, and chilled bottles ready to go. Serve individual mini spritzes in small tumblers, or try a large-format pitcher of the drink for easy, communal pours. Colored glassware or festive straws turn every pour into an occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
A freshly made Campari Spritz is always best, but if you have leftover mixed cocktail, cover and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours. Bear in mind, the bubbles will fade over time, so give it a quick stir and top off with fresh soda water before serving to revive its sparkle.
Freezing
While you wouldn’t want to freeze a finished Campari Spritz, you can prep by chilling your glasses and even making ice cubes with a touch of Campari or orange juice for extra flavor. Avoid freezing the full drink, as the alcohol and bubbles don’t respond well to deep chilling.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating here—Campari Spritz is meant to be enjoyed cold and refreshing! If your drink sits out and warms up, simply add a few more ice cubes and refresh with an extra splash of soda water or Prosecco before sipping again.
FAQs
Can I use another type Cocktail
Absolutely! While Prosecco is the classic choice for its light, fruity bubbles, you can use any dry sparkling wine you have on hand. Just aim for something not too sweet—brut or extra dry styles are perfect.
What’s the best glass to serve a Campari Spritz?
A large wine glass or a designated spritz glass is ideal. The wide bowl gives plenty of room for ice and lets those glorious aromas and bubbles shine. It’s also chic and inviting, perfect for aperitivo hour.
How can I make a sweeter or less bitter Campari Spritz?
For a sweeter twist, swap the soda water for blood orange soda or add a splash of orange juice. If you want less bitterness, reduce the Campari slightly and boost the Prosecco. Adjust to your taste—it’s totally customizable!
Is the Campari Spritz gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, it is! Campari, Prosecco, and soda water are all naturally gluten-free and vegan. Just double check your Prosecco if you’re serving guests with strict dietary needs.
Can I batch prepare Campari Spritz for a crowd?
Definitely. Combine Campari and Prosecco in a pitcher ahead of time and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over ice, top with soda water, and garnish each glass individually for that fresh, fizzy magic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a go-to drink that pairs sunny simplicity with crowd-pleasing flair, you can’t go wrong with a Campari Spritz. I hope you give this recipe a try and bring some of that effortless Italian sparkle into your own gatherings. Cheers to delicious moments ahead!
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Campari Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Italian cocktail, the Campari Spritz is a delightful blend of Campari, Prosecco, and soda water, garnished with a slice of orange. Perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Ingredients
Campari Spritz:
- 3 ounces Campari
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounce soda water
- ice cubes
- orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass with ice cubes. Pour in the Campari, followed by the Prosecco.
- Top with soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a slightly sweeter twist, use a splash of blood orange soda instead of plain soda water.
- Always serve well chilled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
