Everything You Need To Know About Campari

All About Campari

Campari is a popular Italian alcoholic spirit known for its unique and bitter flavor. It is made by infusing a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit peel into a neutral spirit, then mixed with water and sugar. The result is a bright red liquid with a distinct taste, unlike any other spirit.

The history of Campari dates back to 1860, when Gaspare Campari, an Italian businessman, created the recipe for the spirit in Novara, Italy. He originally called it “Bitter all’Uso d’Olanda,” which means “Dutch-style bitter.” However, over time, it became known simply as Campari.

In the early days, Campari was primarily consumed as an aperitif, a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. However, it quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Italian bars and restaurants.

Versatility

One of the reasons for Campari’s success is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other spirits and ingredients to create a wide range of cocktails. Some popular Campari-based cocktails include the Negroni, the Americano, and the Campari Spritz.

The Negroni, made with Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It has a complex bitter and sweet flavor and is often served with a twist of orange peel.

The Americano, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, is another classic Campari cocktail. It is a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail that is perfect for summer.

The Campari Spritz is a newer creation that has become increasingly popular recently. It is made with Campari, prosecco, and soda water, typically served in a wine glass with a slice of orange.

In addition to its use in cocktails, Campari is also used as an ingredient in cooking. Its bitter flavor can add depth and complexity to various dishes, including pasta sauces, marinades, and desserts.

One of the most iconic uses of Campari in cooking is in the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. The bitter flavor of the Campari helps to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a complex and delicious dessert.

Not For Everyone

Despite its popularity, Campari is not for everyone. Its bitter flavor can be an acquired taste, and some people find it too strong or overpowering. However, for those who enjoy it, Campari is a unique and versatile spirit that can add a touch of Italian sophistication to any occasion.

In recent years, Campari has also become known for its advertising campaigns, which are often colorful and quirky. One of the most famous Campari ads features actress Uma Thurman, who is shown lounging on a bed of red velvet while sipping a Campari cocktail.

Drinks featuring Campari and what’s in them.

Some numerous cocktails and drinks feature Campari as an ingredient. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Negroni: The Negroni is a classic cocktail made with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. It is typically garnished with an orange peel.
2. Americano: The Americano is a refreshing cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It is typically served over ice with a slice of lemon or orange.
3. Campari Spritz: The Campari Spritz is a popular aperitif in Italy made with Campari, prosecco, and soda water. It is typically served in a wine glass with a slice of orange.
4. Boulevardier: The Boulevardier is a variation of the classic Negroni made with equal parts Campari, bourbon, and sweet vermouth. It is typically garnished with a cherry.
5. Jungle Bird: The Jungle Bird is a tropical cocktail made with Campari, rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. It is typically served over ice with a slice of pineapple.
6. Rosita: The Rosita is a tequila-based cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It is typically served up with a twist of orange.
7. Campari and Soda: The Campari and Soda is a simple yet refreshing drink made with Campari and soda water. It is typically served over ice with a slice of orange.
8. Paper Plane: The Paper Plane is a modern cocktail made with equal parts Campari, bourbon, Aperol, and lemon juice. It is typically served up with a twist of lemon.
9. Campari and Tonic: The Campari and Tonic is a twist on the classic Gin and Tonic made with Campari, tonic water, and a slice of grapefruit.
10. Campari Martini: The Campari Martini is a modern twist on the classic Martini made with Campari, gin, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. It is typically served up with a twist of orange.

These are just a few examples of the many drinks that feature Campari as an ingredient. In addition, Campari’s unique and complex flavor profile lends itself well to a wide range of cocktails and mixed drinks, making it a versatile and popular spirit among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.

What makes Campari bitter?

Campari is bitter due to the infusion of a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit peels during production. The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret. Still, it contains a combination of ingredients such as quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, orange peel, and cinchona bark, among others.

Quinine is a bitter compound found in the bark of the cinchona tree, commonly used to treat malaria. Rhubarb is a sour vegetable that adds a bitter flavor to Campari, while ginseng is an herb believed to have various health benefits.

Orange peel is also a key ingredient in Campari, giving the spirit its distinctive orange color. The oils in the orange peel contain bitter compounds such as limonene and linalool, which contribute to the overall bitterness of the spirit.

Combining these bitter ingredients creates Campari’s unique and complex flavor profile, often described as having notes of citrus, spice, and herbs. The bitterness of Campari can be pretty intense, especially when consumed on its own, but it can be balanced out with other ingredients in cocktails or cooking.

Five fun facts about Campari.

1. Campari was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, a bartender and entrepreneur from Novara, Italy. The recipe for Campari has been a closely guarded secret ever since.
2. The bright red color of Campari comes from carmine, a natural dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Carmine was used to coloring many foods and drinks until the late 19th century when synthetic dyes became more widely available.
3. Campari was initially marketed as a medicinal tonic and believed to have various health benefits. It was also used as a digestive aid and a malaria remedy.
4. Campari has a distinctive bitter flavor derived from herbs, spices, and fruit peels. The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret. However, it contains a combination of ingredients such as quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, orange peel, and cinchona bark, among others.
5. Campari has been featured in many works of art and pop culture over the years. It has been the subject of paintings by artists such as Leonetto Cappiello and Fortunato Depero, and it has been mentioned in songs by musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Lana Del Rey. It has also been featured in films such as “Ocean’s Eleven” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

While there are not many famous songs that specifically mention Campari, there are a few notable examples:

1. “Dolce Vita” by Ryan Paris: This popular 1980s Italian pop song features the lyrics “Sorseggiando un Campari / In dolce vita” (“Sipping a Campari / In sweet life”).
2. “Rumore” by Raffaella Carrà: This 1970s Italian disco hit includes the lyrics “Il Campari mi fa girare / Ma se sei qui mi sento bene” (“Campari makes me dizzy / But when you’re here I feel good”).
3. “Vodka Cola” by Gang: This 1990s Italian song features the lyrics “Preferisco un Campari / Che mi fa sentire un gentleman” (“I prefer a Campari / That makes me feel like a gentleman”).
4. “La Cumparsita” by Carlos Gardel: This famous tango, first recorded in 1916, has been covered by many artists over the years, and some versions include the lyrics “Bebiendo Campari / en la barra del café” (“Drinking Campari / at the café bar”).

While these songs may not be widely known outside of Italy, they are examples of how Campari has been woven into the country’s cultural fabric and has inspired art and music over the years.

Can you use Campari in cooking?

Yes, Campari can be used in cooking to add a bitter and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Here are a few examples of how Campari can be used in cooking:

1. Sauces and marinades: Campari can add a unique flavor to sauces and marinades. For example, you can add a splash of Campari to tomato sauce for pasta or use it as a marinade for chicken or pork.
2. Desserts: Campari can flavor desserts, such as sorbets, ice creams, and fruit salads. It pairs particularly well with citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits.
3. Cocktails in cooking: Campari can enhance the flavor of cocktails used in cooking, such as a classic Negroni sauce for pasta or a Campari glaze for meat dishes.
4. Salad dressings: Campari can be added to salad dressings for a sweet and bitter flavor. A classic vinaigrette can be made by whisking together Campari, olive oil, vinegar, and honey.

Campari can be a versatile ingredient in cooking, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and add a unique twist to your dishes.