As a bartender, I have seen it all. From the classics to the trendy, I have mixed up every cocktail imaginable. But there's one ingredient that never fails to impress: Compari.
This bright red liqueur is made from a secret blend of herbs and fruits, and it adds a unique bitterness that elevates any cocktail.
What I love about Compari is its versatility. It can be mixed with almost any spirit to create a delicious and complex cocktail.
It's perfect for those who love a bitter taste or want to try something new. And the best part? There are countless recipes to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite Compari cocktail recipes.
Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious cocktail enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. So grab a bottle of Compari and let's get mixing!
1. Mom's Italian Soda
If you're looking for a simple and sophisticated cocktail to ring in the New Year, Mom's Italian Soda is a must-try. Made with just two ingredients – Prosecco and Campari – this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy bitter flavors in their drinks.
The recipe can also be customized by adding more or less Campari to taste, or by using Aperol instead. This cocktail is a great choice for any occasion, not just New Year's Eve. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?
2. Summer Campari Cocktail
The Summer Campari Cocktail is a luscious and complex cocktail that is a must-try for all cocktail lovers. This cocktail is a perfect blend of ingredients that includes Campari, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, honey syrup, and India Pale Ale. The sweetness of honey and liqueur balances the herbaceous tones of Campari, resulting in a slightly bitter yet tart and amazing cocktail.
The use of standard ingredients makes this cocktail easy to recreate at home. This cocktail is a great example of how simple ingredients can create an elixir that is indescribable. If you are looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to try, the Summer Campari Cocktail is definitely worth a shot.
3. Spritz
The Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail made with Campari, prosecco, and sparkling water. It's garnished with fresh strawberries and oranges, giving it a beautiful ruby red color.
It's bitter, yet fruity, making it a perfect aperitivo to enjoy before a meal or on a warm summer day. The Spritz is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of Italian snacks.
4. Italian Gin and Tonic
The Italian Gin and Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that will leave you wanting more. With a combination of gin, vermouth, and Campari, this cocktail has a Negroni-inspired taste that is perfect for fall.
The Campari adds a fresh bitterness that complements the resiny flavor of the gin, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. This cocktail is not only delicious, but also visually appealing with its clear and sparkly appearance. If you're looking to switch up your usual gin and tonic, the Italian Gin and Tonic is definitely worth a try.
5. Old Pal Cocktail
The Old Pal Cocktail is a classic whiskey cocktail that is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. Made with only three ingredients – rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth – this cocktail is easy to make and even easier to sip. This cocktail is a variation of the Negroni and Boulevardier, with rye whiskey and dry vermouth adding their unique flavors to the mix.
The spiciness of the rye whiskey, bitterness of Campari, and brightness of dry vermouth create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The orange twist garnish adds a nice touch to the cocktail, complementing the spicy rye whiskey. The Old Pal Cocktail is a great addition to any cocktail party or a perfect drink to enjoy after a long day.
6. Strawberry Negroni
The Strawberry Negroni is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, perfect for the summer season. This version of the cocktail includes strawberry infused Campari and gin, as well as sweet vermouth, resulting in a fruity and refreshing flavor.
The history of the Negroni is also briefly mentioned, adding to the appeal of this classic cocktail with a modern twist. If you're looking for a fresh and fruity take on the Negroni, the Strawberry Negroni is definitely worth a try.
7. Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a classic French cocktail that has been around since the early 1900s. It is made with bourbon whiskey, vermouth, and Campari, with a twist of orange peel. This cocktail is a bit more sophisticated, fruity, and citrusy than the classic variation, with the addition of cognac and a lemon peel instead of an orange peel.
The Boulevardier is slightly similar to the Manhattan in flavor, but a little smoother and more bitter. The aroma of the lemon peel adds a unique twist to the cocktail, making it a must-try for anyone who loves manhattans or Negronis. If you're looking for a sophisticated and bitter cocktail with a fruity twist, the Boulevardier is the perfect choice.
8. Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Campari cocktail. It adds a splash of sweet-tart blood orange juice to the mix, making it perfect for cooler days. The cocktail is a combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, with the addition of blood orange juice, which adds another layer of flavor to the drink.
The cocktail is best served slowly in front of a warm fire, making it perfect for cozy nights in. The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail.
9. Negroni
Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, gin, and an orange peel garnish. It has a unique combination of bitter and sweet flavors that make it refreshing and sophisticated.
The drink is believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, and has since become a staple in bars around the world. If you're looking for a refreshing and complex cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer evening, Negroni is definitely worth trying.
10. Americano
The Americano is a classic Italian cocktail made with equal parts Campari and vermouth, topped with soda water. It's a perfect blend of bitter, fruity, and spicy flavors that make it light and refreshing.
The drink dates back to the 1860s and is perfect for sipping on a hot summer afternoon. If you're looking for a sophisticated and carefree cocktail, then the Americano is the perfect choice.
11. Garibaldi Cocktail
The Garibaldi Cocktail is a two-ingredient Italian cocktail that is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a general who contributed to the unification of Italy back in 1871. This cocktail is a perfect blend of Campari and fresh-squeezed orange juice, which gives it a refreshing and balanced taste with bitter, sweet, and tangy notes.
The frothy foam on top of the drink is a unique feature that adds a textural flair to the cocktail. The brilliant red-orange color of the Garibaldi Cocktail makes it a perfect drink for parties or a laid-back evening. If you are looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Garibaldi Cocktail is the perfect choice.
12. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is perfect for whiskey lovers who enjoy Negroni. It's made by combining whiskey, vermouth, and Campari in equal parts and garnishing it with an orange peel.
The result is a robust and flavorful cocktail with herbal notes that are perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the flavors. It's a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves whiskey and Negroni.
13. Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni Cocktail is a classic drink that combines gin, vermouth, and Campari. Its origins are uncertain, but it's believed to have been created around 1919. The drink is served in an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube and garnished with an orange peel or slice.
The taste is bitter and sweet, with a distinct orange flavor. This is a strong drink that is not for the faint of heart. If you're looking for a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail, the Negroni is definitely worth a try.
14. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a bubbly Italian cocktail made with equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco. It's a twist on the classic Negroni, perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less intense version.
Legend has it that it was created by mistake when a bartender in Milan used Prosecco instead of gin. It's now enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts all over the world.
15. Campari Spritz
Campari Spritz is a refreshing and bold cocktail that will satisfy your craving for a bitter drink. Made with Campari, prosecco, and a splash of club soda, this cocktail is perfect for summer or spring. Campari is an Italian liqueur that adds a strong citrus flavor to the drink, with notes of grapefruit, orange, lemon, and mild herbs.
The cocktail is served in a rocks glass, stemless wine glass, or even a wine glass, and garnished with an orange. It's perfect as an aperitif, to open up the palette and stimulate the appetite before a meal. If you're a fan of bitter cocktails, Campari Spritz is a must-try.
16. Campari Christmas
If you're looking for a festive cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, look no further than the Campari Christmas. This cocktail combines Campari, vodka, Triple Sec, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco for a drink that is both interesting and merry.
The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests, and the addition of Prosecco adds a touch of elegance to the drink. Whether you're a fan of Campari or just looking for a new holiday cocktail to try, the Campari Christmas is definitely worth a taste.
