The 14 Best Campari Cocktails, According to Experts

The Timeless Appeal of Campari in Modern Mixology

Campari, the iconic ruby-red Italian aperitivo with its distinctive bitter-sweet profile, has long been a staple in bars worldwide. Born in the late 19th century, this herbal liqueur captures the essence of Italian sophistication, balancing citrusy notes with a bold bitterness that cuts through sweetness perfectly. Bartenders and enthusiasts alike praise its versatility, making it ideal for everything from simple highballs to complex stirred drinks.

In recent years, Campari's popularity has surged, thanks to the craft cocktail renaissance. Mixologists experiment with it in unexpected pairings, like infusing it with fresh fruits or smoky spirits, while honoring classics that never go out of style. Its vibrant color adds visual drama to any glass, turning a standard pour into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece. Whether sipped as an aperitivo before dinner or enjoyed late into the night, Campari elevates any gathering.

"Campari's bittersweet magic lies in its ability to harmonize with gin, vermouth, or even tequila, creating drinks that are refreshingly complex and endlessly adaptable for home bartenders," says award-winning mixologist Elena Rossi.

Classic Campari Cocktails Every Enthusiast Should Master

Start with the Negroni, arguably the king of Campari drinks. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, stirred over ice and garnished with an orange twist, it delivers a perfect balance of herbal depth and citrus brightness. Simple yet profound, it's stirred in a mixing glass for about 30 seconds before straining over a large ice cube.

The Americano offers a lighter alternative, mixing Campari and sweet vermouth with soda water for a fizzy, refreshing aperitivo. Served over ice in a highball glass, it's the Negroni's bubbly cousin, ideal for warm afternoons. Then there's the Old Pal, swapping sweet for dry vermouth alongside rye whiskey and Campari, creating a drier, spicier profile with a lemon peel garnish that sharpens the finish.

Don't overlook the Milano-Torino, a Milanese gem of just Campari and vermouth, evoking old-world elegance. For brunch, the Garibaldi shines with Campari, orange juice, and a touch of sugar syrup, its fresh, juicy vibe making it a morning favorite. These staples showcase Campari's roots while proving its enduring relevance.

Innovative Twists and Expert Favorites

Experts rave about modern riffs like the Campari Sour, blending Campari, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white for a frothy, tart delight garnished with a lemon twist. The Summer Campari Grapefruit Paloma combines Campari, tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda for a zesty, cooling escape, served over ice with a grapefruit slice.

Try the Enzoni for a fruity Negroni twist: Campari, gin, green grapes, lemon juice, and sugar syrup muddled together for citrusy freshness. The Killer Cocktail amps up the intrigue with Campari, gin, amaretto, passion fruit syrup, and lemon, balancing bitterness with tropical sweetness. Sloegroni introduces sloe gin and rosé vermouth for a mellower, berry-inflected Negroni.

Other standouts include the frozen Negroni slushie, blending the classic with ice for a beachy vibe; the Campari Prosecco Spritz, bubbly and effervescent; and the Old Acquittance, a tart mix of Campari, gin, pink grapefruit, and lime. Pineapple rum joins Campari in a tropical shaker for creamy, citrusy innovation, while mezcal variations add smoky depth. These 14 picks, from Esquire's curated list and beyond, highlight Campari's boundless potential.

From Negronis to spritzes and sours, these 14 expert-endorsed Campari cocktails offer something for every mood, blending tradition with creativity for unforgettable sips.