Looking for a refreshing and low-alcohol cocktail? Look no further than Campari Soda! Our step-by-step guide and variations make it easy to create your perfect Campari Soda at home.

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Why You'll Love A Campari and Soda
Refreshing and Light
- A Campari Soda is a light and refreshing drink that's perfect for hot summer days or warm evenings. It's a great alternative to heavy cocktails and beer.
Bitter and Complex
- The bitter taste of Campari is an acquired taste, but it's what makes the Campari and Soda such a unique and complex drink. The bitterness is balanced by the sweetness of soda water, making it a perfect combination of flavors.
Easy to Make
- Campari and Soda is a simple cocktail that requires just a few ingredients, and it can be made in minutes. It's perfect for those who don't want to spend a lot of time mixing drinks.
Versatile
- Campari and Soda can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. It's a great accompaniment to savory snacks like olives, cheese, and charcuterie, and it also pairs well with light and refreshing salads.
Low Alcohol Content
- Campari and Soda is a low-alcohol cocktail, with just a small amount of Campari and soda water. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy a cocktail without getting too tipsy.
Aperitif Tradition
- Campari and Soda is a classic Italian aperitif, which is traditionally enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. This makes it a perfect drink to serve at a dinner party or to enjoy with friends before a meal

What Is Campari?
Campari is an Italian liqueur that is known for its distinctive bitter taste and bright red color. It was created by Gaspare Campari in 1860 in Novara, Italy, and has since become a popular ingredient in many cocktails and aperitifs.
The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret, but it is made from a combination of herbs, spices, fruits, and alcohol. Some of the ingredients that are believed to be in Campari include bitter orange, rhubarb, cinchona, and gentian.
Campari is typically served as an aperitif before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and it is often mixed with soda water or used as a base for cocktails. It has a distinctive bitter flavor that is often described as being similar to grapefruit or bitter herbs.
Ingredients Needed
Campari - Campari is an Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs, spices, and fruits, and has a distinctive bitter flavor. It is the key ingredient in a Campari Soda, and gives the cocktail its unique taste and bright red color.
Soda Water - Soda water, also known as sparkling water or seltzer, is carbonated water that is commonly used as a mixer in cocktails.
It adds a refreshing and effervescent element to the Campari Soda and helps to balance out the bitterness of the Campari.
Ice - Ice is an important ingredient in a Campari Soda, as it helps to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing. It is typically added to a glass before pouring in the Campari and soda water.
Another simple yet delicious cocktail worth trying is our Gin & Sprite Cocktail!

How To Make A Campari Soda
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz. Campari
- 4 oz. soda water
- Ice
- Orange or lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. You can use a highball glass or a rocks glass, depending on your preference.
- Measure 1 ½ oz. of Campari and pour it over the ice.
- Pour 4 oz. of soda water over the Campari and stir gently to combine.
- If you like, you can add a slice of orange or lemon as a garnish. Add a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color.
- Serve and enjoy!



Variations and Garnishes
While a classic Campari Soda is made with just Campari, soda water, ice, and an optional garnish, there are many ways to put your own spin on this refreshing cocktail. Here are a few Campari Soda variations and garnishes to try:
- Orange or Lemon Twist: Add a twist of orange or lemon to your Campari Soda for a burst of citrus flavor and a beautiful garnish.
- Grapefruit Soda: Swap out the plain soda water for grapefruit soda to enhance the bitter flavor of the Campari and add a touch of sweetness.
- Campari Tonic: Instead of soda water, use tonic water for a slightly bitter and effervescent twist on the classic Campari Soda.
- Campari Spritz: Add a splash of Prosecco or other sparkling wine to your Campari Soda for a light and refreshing spritz.
- Raspberry or Blackberry Syrup: Add a splash of raspberry or blackberry syrup to your Campari Soda for a sweet and fruity twist.
- Campari and Grapefruit Juice: Mix Campari with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice for a bittersweet and tangy cocktail.
- Campari and Vermouth: Mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth for a classic Italian cocktail called the Americano.
When it comes to garnishes, don't hold back! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Orange or lemon twist
- Grapefruit wedge
- Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries
- Rosemary or thyme sprig
- Cucumber slice
- Fresh basil
- Edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies
Equipment Needed
Highball glass
- A tall, narrow glass is best for serving a Campari Soda.
Ice
- Fill your highball glass with ice to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
Jigger or measuring cup
- To measure the right amount of Campari and soda water for your drink.

Expert Tips
Use high-quality ingredients
Campari is the star of this cocktail, so choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy the flavor of. Using fresh citrus and soda water will also improve the taste of your Campari Soda.
Balance the flavors
The bitterness of Campari can be balanced with a slice of orange or lemon, and a touch of sweetness from a sugar syrup or fruit juice. Experiment with the ratios of Campari to soda water to find the perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
Keep it cold
A Campari Soda is best served over ice, which will keep it chilled and refreshing. Make sure to chill your soda water and glassware in the refrigerator or freezer before serving.
Don't over-dilute
While it's important to add soda water to your Campari, you don't want to over-dilute the cocktail. Use a jigger or measuring cup to measure the right amount of soda water, and avoid using too much ice.
Experiment with garnishes
A slice of orange or lemon is a classic garnish for a Campari Soda, but you can also try adding other fruits or herbs to give your cocktail a unique twist.


Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is alcohol in a Campari Soda. Campari is a liqueur that has an alcohol content of 20.5%, so when mixed with soda water, it creates a cocktail with a lower alcohol content than a straight shot of Campari.
The exact alcohol content of a Campari Soda will depend on the amount of Campari and soda water used, but it is generally considered to be a low-alcohol cocktail.
Campari Soda is a relatively low-calorie cocktail compared to many other mixed drinks. However, it does contain calories and sugar from the Campari and any sweeteners added.
A standard 1.5 oz. serving of Campari contains around 80 calories, and 4 oz. of soda water has negligible calories. Therefore, a Campari Soda made with 1.5 oz. Campari and 4 oz. soda water will have approximately 80 calories.
Italians have multiple ways of enjoying Campari. Some of the most popular Italian Campari drinks include a Campari and Soda, Campari and Orange, Campari Spritz and a Negroni.

Campari Soda
A refreshing easy to make apertif made with Campari and soda water.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Campari
- 4 oz. soda water
- Ice
- Lemon slice
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add camapri and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh basil.
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