As a bartender, I've seen it all. From the classic Old Fashioned to the trendy Aperol Spritz, there's no shortage of cocktails to choose from.
But when it comes to the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, nothing quite compares to a Gin Campari Cocktail.
Gin, a spirit made from juniper berries, has a distinct botanical flavor that pairs perfectly with the bitter orange taste of Campari.
The result is a refreshing cocktail that's equal parts bold and sophisticated.
But not all Gin Campari Cocktails are created equal. Some recipes call for more gin, while others rely heavily on the Campari.
And let's not forget about the other ingredients that can be added to take this classic cocktail to the next level.
In this blog post, we'll explore the best Gin Campari Cocktail recipes out there.
From the classic Negroni to the lesser-known Jungle Bird, we'll dive into the unique ingredients and ratios that make each cocktail stand out. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover your new favorite cocktail.
1. Gin and Campari Old Fashioned
The Gin and Campari Old Fashioned is a strong and bitter cocktail that is perfect for those who love the taste of gin. Made with a high-quality gin and Campari, this drink is perfect for sipping before a meal. The herbal and citrus flavors of Campari are balanced out by the simple syrup, making this drink less bitter than a Negroni.
The addition of a Luxardo cherry adds a touch of sweetness and cherry flavor, while the orange peel brings out the citrus notes of the gin. This cocktail is definitely not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a strong and flavorful drink, the Gin and Campari Old Fashioned is a must-try.
2. Gin Campari Sour
The Gin Campari Sour is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. With its bright red color and citrusy flavor, Campari is the star of this cocktail. The addition of gin and lemon juice balances out the bitterness of the Campari, while simple syrup brings in the perfect amount of sweetness.
The Ginger Rhubarb liqueur adds a subtle kick to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a less intense Campari cocktail. This sour cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try, the Gin Campari Sour is definitely worth a shot.
3. Campari Gin Fizz
The Campari Gin Fizz is a refreshing and citrusy gin cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. This cocktail can be enjoyed two ways – either topped with Club Soda in a highball glass or strained into a chilled coupe glass without Club Soda.
The addition of homemade simple syrup and egg white creates a frothy and luxurious texture. The combination of gin, Campari, and lemon juice results in a light and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for those hot summer days. If you're a fan of gin cocktails, the Campari Gin Fizz is definitely worth trying.
4. Campari and Soda
Campari and Soda is a classic highball cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It combines the bitter and sweet flavors of Campari with the refreshing bubbles of club soda. This low-calorie cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the guilt.
The bright red color of the drink makes it look impressive in a tall highball glass, and it can be garnished with a variety of fruits and herbs to add an extra touch of elegance. Whether you are sipping it chilled on a hot summer day or enjoying it as a pre-dinner drink, Campari and Soda is a must-try cocktail for any gin and Campari lover.
5. Italian Gin and Tonic
The Italian Gin and Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic Gin and Tonic. This cocktail combines gin, vermouth, and Campari to create a Negroni-inspired drink that is perfect for fall. The addition of Campari adds a fresh bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the vermouth.
This cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its bright and sparkly appearance. If you're looking to switch up your Gin and Tonic game, the Italian Gin and Tonic is definitely worth a try.
6. Way Too Much Gin Cocktail
The "Way Too Much Gin Cocktail" is a potent and flavorful drink that is not for the faint of heart. With a strong presence of Campari and Pamplemousse, this cocktail is bitter and tart, but also delicious. The layered ombre look adds to its visual appeal.
While this drink may be too intense for some, there are ways to tone down the bitterness or add a touch of sweetness. Overall, the "Way Too Much Gin Cocktail" is a unique and exciting addition to any cocktail menu.
7. Bermuda Hundred Gin Cocktail
The Bermuda Hundred Gin Cocktail is a unique and unexpected combination of gin and Campari, with a tropical twist. The addition of orgeat syrup adds a smooth nuttiness to the drink, while the Campari provides a bitter aftertaste that is not too intense.
The use of fresh pineapple juice is recommended to balance the sweetness, and the addition of lime juice is a must for the perfect flavor. This cocktail is a must-try for those who want to explore new and exciting gin and Campari combinations.
8. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
The Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is a delightful twist on the classic G&T. This cocktail features a dash of elderflower liqueur, sloe gin, and Campari, which come together with gin and tonic to create a drink with a pretty blush and a hint of fruit.
The sloe gin and Campari add a warming hue to the drink, giving it a wintery edge, while the touch of elderflower reminds us that summer will be back. Even if you're not a fan of Campari, don't worry, as there's only a splash in the entire drink, so it's not bitter at all. This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights in during the colder months and is sure to impress your guests.
9. Old Tom Punch
The Old Tom Punch is a unique twist on the classic punch formula. It uses Old Tom gin aged in brandy barrels, giving it a spiced and woody flavor. The addition of just a hint of Campari adds a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the turbinado sugar.
Garnished with lime peel, it has an intense oil smell and taste that makes it a delight to drink. It's a well-balanced and delicious cocktail that is perfect as is.
10. Vampire Cynar Negroni
The Vampire Cynar Negroni is a spooky twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, perfect for Halloween parties. It uses St. George Distilling's Dry Rye Reposado Gin as the base and Cynar, an Italian digestivo, which adds a sweet earthiness to the cocktail.
The strawberry-infused Campari brings out the bitter note we all expect when we get a drink called a Negroni. The cocktail is garnished with a smoking sprig of rosemary and finished with a small chip of dry ice, which produces a nice white fog.
11. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian aperitif made with equal parts Gin, Campari, and Sweet Red Vermouth. It's a bitter yet refreshing drink that has been enjoyed for over a century.
Served over ice and garnished with an orange twist, the Negroni is a simple yet elegant cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Its popularity has led to many variations, but the classic recipe remains a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
12. Strawberry Negroni
The Strawberry Negroni is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This summer-inspired drink features strawberry-infused gin, strawberry-infused Campari, and sweet vermouth, giving it a fruity and refreshing taste. The cocktail is perfect for Negroni Week and is a great way to celebrate the classic cocktail while giving back to charities.
The history of the Negroni is fascinating, dating back to the early 1900s in Florence, Italy, and this modern take on the classic drink is a great way to pay homage to its roots. The Strawberry Negroni is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail with a twist.
13. Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni Cocktail is a classic Italian aperitif that has been enjoyed for decades. Made with equal parts of gin, Campari, and vermouth rosso, this ruby red cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Served over ice with a slice or twist of orange, the Negroni is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It's no wonder that it has become one of the most popular cocktails in the world. If you're looking for a sophisticated and delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Negroni is definitely worth a try.
14. Grilled Tangerine Frozen Negroni
The Grilled Tangerine Frozen Negroni is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This frozen version is perfect for summer, with the addition of grilled tangerine adding a sweet and caramelized citrus flavor that balances out the bitter grapefruit notes of Campari and the herbal notes of gin and vermouth.
The tangerine juice and oils from the grilled wedges give an extra burst of orange flavor, making this cocktail a deliciously sweet and tangy slushie version of the Negroni. If you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy this classic cocktail, the Grilled Tangerine Frozen Negroni is definitely worth trying.
15. Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz
The Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz is a perfect cocktail for those who love a bubbly and well-rounded drink. This cocktail combines homemade strawberry simple syrup with aromatic gin, bitter Campari, and a splash of orange juice. The champagne topper adds a gorgeous fizz to the cocktail, making it a perfect addition to any occasion, especially Mother's Day brunch.
The hint of sweet and touch of bitter from the Campari make this cocktail a well-balanced drink that will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Gin Campari Cocktail recipe to try, the Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz is definitely worth a taste.
16. Grapefruit Negroni
The Grapefruit Negroni is a refreshing twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, using fresh grapefruit juice to add a burst of citrus flavor. This bitter cocktail is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a bold and complex drink. The combination of gin, Campari, and grapefruit juice creates a unique balance of flavors that is both tart and bitter.
The bitterness of the Campari is softened by the sweetness of the grapefruit juice, making for a well-rounded cocktail. Overall, the Grapefruit Negroni is a must-try for those looking to switch up their Negroni game and explore new flavor profiles.
17. Blood Orange Martini
The Blood Orange Martini is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of spring. Made with gin, fresh blood orange juice, rosemary-infused sugar syrup, and a splash of Campari, this cocktail is both sweet and slightly bitter. The egg white foam adds a touch of old-fashioned glamour to the drink, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a relaxing evening at home.
The use of blood oranges, which are only available for a limited time, makes this cocktail even more special and unique. If you're looking for a sophisticated and delicious Gin Campari Cocktail recipe, the Blood Orange Martini is definitely worth trying.
18. Winter Spice Negroni
The Winter Spice Negroni is a seasonal twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This festive version features a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, with the addition of festive spices and charred orange. The result is a fruity, spicy, and bitter cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season.
The Winter Spice Negroni is a must-try for anyone who loves bittersweet cocktails and wants to add a touch of holiday cheer to their drink. So, if you're looking for a unique and delicious Gin Campari Cocktail recipe to try this holiday season, the Winter Spice Negroni is definitely worth a sip.