Campari

Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur produced by the Campari Group. It is notable for its deep red color and a distinctive bitter, herbal flavor developed from a blend of botanicals, fruit, and spices. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret.

Campari was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. He introduced a method of macerating botanicals in alcohol to create a bold, bittersweet liqueur, which soon gained popularity in Milan and expanded internationally. Over time the Campari brand became part of a larger beverage company, now known as the Campari Group, which markets a wide range of spirits and liqueurs worldwide.

In production terms, Campari is typically bottled around 20.5% alcohol by volume, though the exact percentage can vary by market. The liqueur results from infusing a carefully kept blend of bitter botanicals, herbs, and fruit with a base spirit and water, then coloring the liquid to its characteristic red hue. The color and flavor are the result of this proprietary blending process rather than a single identifiable ingredient.

Campari is widely used in cocktails and is a key ingredient in several classics, such as the Negroni (Campari, gin, and vermouth) and the Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda). It is also featured in other bitter-sweet drinks and variations of the Spritz enjoyed in bartending and modern cocktail culture.