Campari Soda Cocktail with Orange

This Campari Soda cocktail is a delightful 3 ingredient bitter cocktail that takes just a few minutes to make and is full of bittersweet citrus flavor.

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for Italian cocktails, then you’re in for a treat with this Campari Soda with an orange twist. It’s a vibrant, sparkling drink that captures the essence of Italian flair.

Alongside favorites like the Negroni Sour, Aperol Negroni, and Limoncello Spritz, this cocktail stands out for its simplicity and bright flavors, making it a must-try for any enthusiast of Italy’s cocktail culture.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• What is Campari?
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• FAQ
• Related Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

Why This Recipe Works

What is Campari?

Campari is a bitter liqueur and Italian ruby red aperitif. Aperitifs typically have a low alcohol content and are served at the beginning of meals to help “wet” your appetite. Campari has a strong orange bitter flavor and very little sweetness. From the first sip, you’ll find notes of bitter herbs and wood as well.

Campari bottles its own Campari Soda, which was the first pre-mixed drink that was launched in 1932. The bottled Campari Soda is sold in signature bottles that have an unmistakable conical shape. It’s so iconic that you can buy art prints of the original vintage posters advertising Campari Soda that feature their signature bottle. 

Sadly, it’s hard to find in the United States, so I have to make due making my own version. The classic recipe for a Campari soda is 1 part Campari to 3 parts soda water, but my Campari Soda recipe is a bit different. 

Ingredient Notes

Campari – Nowadays, you can find this at most liquor stores. 

Orange juice – Use fresh if you can as it will taste best, but 100% juice is fine – just avoid the stuff from concentrate. Blood orange juice would also be delicious and add to the beautiful color.  

Soda water – I was out of carbon dioxide for my SodaStream, so I used canned seltzer. Club soda also works, but you can make a Campari Tonic with some tonic water, which will have a different and more complex flavor compared to a Campari Soda. Tonic water is sweetened so it will soften the bitterness of the Campari. 

Garnishes – This is optional but I used a slice of orange wrapped around a Luxardo cherry secured with a metal cocktail pick. An orange peel or just an orange wedge would also make a great garnish as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tips and Variations

• Chilled ingredients – For an extra refreshing experience, make sure your Campari, orange juice, and soda water are chilled before mixing. 

• Adjust to your liking – While the recipe provides a great starting point, feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your taste. I did this with the original recipe. Prefer it a bit sweeter? Add a touch more orange juice or simple syrup. Love the bitterness of Campari? Pour a little extra. Possibilities are endless. 

• Soda swap – Swap out the soda water for a citrus-flavored sparkling water or even a grapefruit-flavored soda for an extra zesty kick. This variation adds a new layer of citrus complexity.

• Add some smoke flavor – For a unique twist, add a dash of mezcal to the mix, which will add a smoky element to your cocktail. Remember, mezcal is strong, so make sure to add a dash, taste, and adjust accordingly.

FAQ

What does Campari Soda taste like?

This Campari Soda has an orange bitter flavor that is balanced by the addition of sweet orange juice. Soda water has an acidic taste to it with a bubbly mouthfeel. You can tailor this recipe to your tastes by increasing or decreasing the Campari and/or the orange juice. 

Is Campari a strong alcohol? 

Campari would be considered to have a moderate alcohol content or % ABV (alcohol by volume). Depending on which country you are buying Campari from, the ABV can range from about 20-29%. For reference, vodka and gin average around 40% and Aperol (a similar, but more sweet bitter orange liqueur) is around 11% ABV. 

Can you drink Campari straight up?

If your palate is very accustomed to bitter flavors, then yes, you can and would probably enjoy it. If I want a lot of Campari flavor, I prefer to make a Campari Soda to help soften the bitterness just a little but still getting a big dose of the classic Campari flavor. 

How do Italians drink Campari?

Italians typically enjoy Campari as an aperitif, meaning it’s served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It’s often mixed with soda, as in this cocktail, or used in cocktails like a Negroni. 

When should I make this cocktail? And, what should I serve with it?

This cocktail is perfect for early evening enjoyment, like for a happy hour, especially as an aperitif to kick-start your dinner plans. It pairs wonderfully with light appetizers such as olives, cheese, and charcuterie, or with seafood dishes, helping to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of your meal.

What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?

Campari and Aperol are both Italian aperitifs, but they differ in taste, color, and alcohol content. For the full breakdown, make sure to check out my post on Aperol vs. Campari, where I break down everything from origin to ABV to price. Their differences make Campari a bit more versatile in stronger cocktails, while Aperol is often preferred in lighter drinks like the Aperol Spritz, generally speaking.

Related Recipes

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