Fizzing Elegance: Crafting the Perfect Campari Soda

Discover how to make a refreshing and sophisticated Campari Soda with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for summer evenings or stylish gatherings, this classic Italian aperitif will elevate any occasion.

Italian Cuisine

July 31, 2024

Difficulty Easy

Servings 1 people

Preparation 5 mins

Cooking 0 mins

Total 5 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) Campari
4 oz (120 ml) soda water
Ice cubes
Orange slice or twist, for garnish

Directions

Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice cubes. The ice helps to keep the drink chilled and ensures a refreshing experience with every sip.
Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of Campari over the ice. The vibrant red hue of Campari sets the stage for a visually stunning drink.
Slowly add 4 ounces (120 ml) of soda water to the glass. The effervescence of the soda water lightens the bitterness of the Campari, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.
Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the Campari and soda water. Be careful not to over-stir, as you want to maintain the carbonation.
Finish by garnishing with an orange slice or twist. The citrus aroma and slight sweetness complement the bittersweet flavor of the Campari beautifully.
Your Campari Soda is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately while the drink is chilled and effervescent.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Campari Soda

Serves 1

Amount Per Serving

Calories295

Tips

Chill your glass. For an extra refreshing drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making your Campari Soda.
Use high-quality soda water to ensure the best carbonation and flavor.
Try different citrus garnishes like lemon or grapefruit to add a unique twist to your Campari Soda.
If you prefer a stronger drink, reduce the amount of soda water slightly. For a lighter drink, increase the soda water.
Use large, clear ice cubes to slow down dilution and maintain the drink's flavor longer.

Rate This Recipe

The Campari Soda is a timeless Italian aperitif, known for its vibrant red color and bittersweet flavor. Perfect for warm summer evenings or sophisticated gatherings, this drink combines the bold taste of Campari with the refreshing effervescence of soda water. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast, crafting the perfect Campari Soda is both simple and rewarding.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

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Shaker

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Ice Cube Tray

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Origins of The Campari Soda

The Campari Soda, or Campari and soda, traces its origins back to Italy, where it became a staple aperitif. This simple yet elegant cocktail was first created in the 1930s, capturing the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. The bright and bittersweet flavor of Campari, paired with the refreshing fizz of soda water, makes this drink a favorite for pre-dinner sipping.

Campari, the key ingredient in the Campari Soda recipe, was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. Its distinct flavor comes from a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit peels, creating a unique and complex taste. Over the years, the Campari Soda has evolved into a classic cocktail enjoyed worldwide, celebrated for its vibrant color and refreshing taste.

Creating a Campari with soda is not only about mixing ingredients but also about embracing a tradition of leisure and sophistication. The soda Campari cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the art of simple, yet refined drinks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, a Campari Soda is sure to elevate the experience with its timeless charm and delightful flavor.

Variations

Campari Spritz: Add a splash of Prosecco to your Campari and soda for a bubbly twist. This variation is perfect for celebrations and adds a festive touch to the classic cocktail.

Citrus Campari Soda: Enhance the citrus notes by adding a splash of freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice. This adds a refreshing and fruity dimension to your drink, perfect for summer afternoons.

Herbal Campari Soda: Infuse your soda water with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary before mixing with Campari. The herbal aroma and flavor complement the bittersweetness of the Campari beautifully, creating a sophisticated and aromatic drink.

Campari Tonic: Replace the soda water with tonic water for a slightly more bitter and complex flavor profile. Garnish with a lemon twist for an added citrus kick.

This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing at home or entertaining guests. The combination of Campari’s bold flavors and the refreshing fizz of soda water makes the Campari Soda a delightful aperitif that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the taste of Italy in every sip!

How Strong Is the Campari and Soda?

The strength of a Campari and soda cocktail is moderate, making it a light and refreshing option. Campari itself has an alcohol content of 24% ABV (alcohol by volume). When mixed with soda water in a 1:2 ratio, as per the recipe, the overall alcohol content of the drink is diluted significantly.

For a standard serving of Campari Soda using 2 ounces (60 ml) of Campari and 4 ounces (120 ml) of soda water:

Alcohol Content in Campari: 24% ABV
Alcohol Content in the Cocktail: Approximately 8% ABV

This makes the Campari Soda a pleasantly mild drink, ideal for those who prefer a cocktail with a lower alcohol content. It’s perfect for sipping over a relaxed conversation or as a refreshing start to an evening.