The perfect Campari Spritz is bold, refreshing, and surprising! We first tried this classic Italian cocktail in Venice and have loved it ever since.
After our trip to Italy, I came home with an Aperol Spritz and Adam fell for a bold and spicy Campari Spritz. If you enjoy the complex, spicy taste of Campari or enjoy Negronis, I bet you’ll love the Campari Spritz cocktail.
Campari Spritz is less sweet and herbal than Aperol Spritz. If you’re like Adam and prefer dry cocktails with a touch of bitterness, this could be your new favorite cocktail!
Key Ingredients
- Campari: Look for Campari alongside liqueurs and bitters, such as Amaro. A bold, spicy liqueur with herbal, spicy, and citrus notes. It’s not for everyone but it’s great for those who enjoy complex flavors. It’s often enjoyed on the rocks with a splash of soda or as the main ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni.
- Prosecco: Look for Prosecco next to sparkling wine. This Italian sparkling wine tastes light, crisp, and fruity. Look for Brut on the label, which means the Prosecco is not sweet. Avoid sweeter styles of Prosecco, such as Prosecco Dolce, which will make your cocktail too sweet. I look for mid-range bottles of Prosecco (as I do when I buy sparkling mimosas). Small batch producers or bottles with labels that mention DOC or DOCG are usually very sweet and fun to find. If you own a local wine shop, ask the staff for guidance and suggestions.
- Soda water: Pure soda water works well. You can also use club soda with minerals and added salt (I prefer this for flavor) or your favorite brand of water.
How to make a Campari Spritz
The classic Campari Spritz recipe uses a 3-2-1 ratio: that means 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water. This mix gives you a delicious drink that is not overly sweet.
If you find Campari too bitter, you can adjust the recipe. To make it less intense, use less Campari and more Prosecco. If you want a lower alcohol drink, reduce both the Prosecco and Campari slightly and add more soda water. If the anger of Campari is not for you, and you prefer something sweet, try our Aperol Spritz instead.
When I make a Campari Spritz, I fill a wine glass with ice. Then, I add the Campari first, followed by the Prosecco, and finally the soda water. A fresh slice of orange makes the perfect garnish. You can stir the drink, but be careful not to overdo it. You want to keep those lovely Prosecco bubbles!
The perfect Campari Spritz
We love this classic Campari Spritz cocktail recipe with Campari, Prosecco, and soda water. We first tried it in Italy and loved it ever since. Campari Spritz tastes spicy and herbal with citrus notes. It’s bold, refreshing, and active (bubbly).
1 cocktail
Watch We Make the Recipe
You will need it
3 ounces (90ml) Prosecco, see Brut (dry) Prosecco
2 ounces (60ml) Campari
One ounce (30ml) of soda water, club soda, or distilled water
Orange slices
Directions
1Fill a wine glass halfway with ice and add Campari. Drizzle in some Prosecco and soda water. The cocktail should mix on its own as you pour in the Prosecco, but you can use a long spoon and gently swirl the glass to mix.
2Slide on an orange slice and enjoy!
Tips from Adam and Joanne
- Prosecco: We recommend a mid-range Brut or extra Brut Prosecco. Sweet styles will make the cocktail even more delicious.
- Soda water: Use soda water, club soda, or your favorite sparkling water. I like club soda because it has a little added salt, which I think makes this cocktail taste better.
- Adjusts preferences: Campari tastes bitter. If you’re getting a big tantrum, lower the Campari a bit and increase the Prosecco. For a less bitter cocktail, swap out Campari for Aperol, which is more flavorful.
- The nutrition facts given below are estimates.
Food Per Serving
Serving Size
1 cocktail
/
Calories
231
/
Perfect Oils
0g
/
Saturated Fats
0g
/
Cholesterol
0 mg
/
Sodium
10.7mg
/
Carbohydrate
17.8g
/
Dietary fiber
0g
/
Total Sugar
16.8g
/
Proteins
0.1g