The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start planning your festive get-togethers.
Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a big party, you'll want to have some delicious drinks on hand to help your guests get into the holiday spirit. And what better way to do that than with Campari?
Campari is a popular Italian liqueur that's known for its bright red color and bitter flavor. It's made from a blend of herbs and fruit, including bitter orange, rhubarb, and ginseng.
While it's often enjoyed on its own or with soda water, Campari is also a great ingredient for cocktails.
In this post, we'll be sharing some of the best Campari holiday cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic drinks to creative twists, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for any holiday occasion.
So, whether you're a seasoned bartender or a home mixologist, you'll find something here to suit your taste. Get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through the holiday season with these delicious Campari cocktails!
1. Pineapple Campari Cocktail
The Pineapple Campari Cocktail is a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic Campari drink. This cocktail is perfect for the holidays or a summer day, with the sweet balance of pineapple juice complementing the bitter Campari liqueur. The soft foam top adds a unique texture to this drink, making it a perfect sipper.
While Campari can be an acquired taste, the Pineapple Campari Cocktail is a great introduction to the liqueur for those who may be hesitant to try it. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and refreshing drink option.
2. Americano Cocktail
The Americano Cocktail is a classic Italian drink made with sweet vermouth, Campari, and a splash of soda water. It has a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors and is bright and citrusy.
The addition of a blood orange slice adds a fresh and fruity flavor to the drink. It's perfect for seafood pairings and can be enjoyed in any receptacle. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail, the Americano is a must-try.
3. Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Campari cocktail. This cocktail adds a splash of sweet-tart blood orange juice to the mix, creating a refreshing and balanced flavor. The cocktail is perfect for cooler days and begs to be sipped slowly in front of a warm fire.
The history of the Boulevardier cocktail dates back to the 1920s and is widely attributed to Erskine Gwynne, an American writer living in Paris. Campari, the Italian aperitivo central to the Boulevardier and Negroni, dates to 1860, and it takes some warming up to due to its intense flavor. The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a great addition to any holiday party, and it pairs well with other Campari and bourbon cocktails.
4. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, and a slice of orange. It has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of sweetness and a prominent orange flavor.
The fizziness of the Prosecco and soda water makes it perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. It's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
5. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
The Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is a delightful twist on the classic G&T, perfect for the holiday season. With a dash of elderflower liqueur, sloe gin, and Campari, this cocktail has a pretty blush and a hint of fruit. The sloe gin and Campari add a warming hue and a wintery edge to the flavor, while the touch of elderflower reminds us that summer will be back.
Don't be afraid of the Campari, as there's only a splash in the entire drink, making it not bitter at all. This cocktail is a perfect way to say goodnight to the dark and cold world outside and snuggle up for the night with a couple of seasonal cocktails and a game or two with the family.
6. Clementine Campari Spritz
The Clementine Campari Spritz is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, with the addition of Campari and clementine juice. The bitterness of the Campari is balanced out by the sweetness of the clementine juice, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail.
The bright orange color of the drink is sure to catch the eye of any guest at your holiday party. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Clementine Campari Spritz is definitely worth a try.
7. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that uses sparkling wine instead of gin. The combination of Campari, vermouth, and sparkling wine creates a beautiful and festive red color that is perfect for any holiday celebration.
The name Sbagliato means "broken" or "mistaken" in Italian, but there is no mistake in how delicious this cocktail is. It has a refreshing and bubbly taste that will leave you wanting more. If you're a fan of Negronis, this is a must-try variation that will add a fun and unique twist to your holiday cocktail repertoire.
8. Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni Cocktail is a classic Italian aperitif that has been enjoyed for decades. Made with equal parts of Campari, gin, and vermouth rosso, this ruby red cocktail is both refreshing and elegant. Served over ice with a slice or twist of orange, the Negroni is the perfect way to kick off your Italian holiday celebrations.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bitter and slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus. It's a great choice for those who want to try something new and exciting during the holiday season. So, if you're looking for a sophisticated and delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Negroni Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
9. The Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a classic whiskey cocktail that swaps gin for bourbon or rye whiskey. It was invented by Erskine Gwynne in Paris in the 1920s. The cocktail has a smoky and rich taste that is perfect for the fall and winter months.
The standard garnish is a twist of orange and/or a cocktail cherry. This cocktail is served in an old fashioned glass, rocks glass, or lowball glass. It's a must-try for anyone who loves whiskey and wants to add a classic cocktail to their holiday repertoire.
10. Old Pal Cocktail
The Old Pal Cocktail is a classic whiskey cocktail that is a must-try for anyone who loves a good Negroni or Boulevardier. Made with rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth, this cocktail is simple yet sophisticated. The spiciness of the rye whiskey is balanced out by the bitterness of the Campari, while the dry vermouth adds a bright note to the drink.
Garnished with an orange twist, the Old Pal Cocktail is a beautiful and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try this holiday season, the Old Pal Cocktail is definitely worth a shot.
11. Campari Christmas
If you're looking for a festive and interesting cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Campari Christmas is definitely worth considering. This cocktail combines Campari, vodka, Triple Sec, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco to create a merry and bright drink that's sure to impress your guests.
The combination of flavors is both sweet and tart, making it a perfect balance for those who enjoy a flavorful cocktail. While there are many other Campari holiday cocktails to choose from, the Campari Christmas is definitely one to add to your list.
12. Winter Spice Negroni
The Winter Spice Negroni is a festive twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This seasonal version features a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, infused with festive spices and a charred orange garnish.
The result is a fruity, spicy, and bitter cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is sure to impress your guests and get them in the holiday spirit. If you're looking for a bittersweet cocktail with a festive twist, the Winter Spice Negroni is a must-try.
