What is Campari?
A Brief History of Campari
Campari was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, an Italian businessman and entrepreneur. Originally called “Bitter all’Uso di Holland”, the recipe was a secret blend of herbs, spices, fruits, and alcohol. The bitter liqueur quickly became popular in Gaspare’s hometown of Novara and throughout Italy, eventually gaining a reputation as a sophisticated and fashionable drink.
In 1904, Gaspare Campari’s son Davide took over the business and began to expand the brand internationally. By the 1920s, Campari had become a global phenomenon, with sales in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.
Over the years, Campari has become a staple ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and the Americano. Today, the brand continues to innovate and experiment with new flavors, while still maintaining its signature bitter and complex taste.
How is Campari Made?
Campari is made using a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, fruits, and alcohol, which are macerated together to create a concentrated liquid. This liquid is then mixed with water and sweetened with sugar to balance out the bitter flavors.
The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret, known only to a small group of master distillers. However, some of the key ingredients used in the production process include bitter orange, gentian root, rhubarb, and cinchona bark.
Once the ingredients have been macerated and mixed, the resulting liquid is aged in oak barrels for several months. This process allows the flavors to mellow and develop, creating a smooth and complex taste.
Finally, the aged liquid is bottled and shipped out to customers around the world. Campari is typically enjoyed as an aperitif or mixed into cocktails, and is known for its bright red color and bitter, herbaceous taste.
The Flavors of Campari
Campari is known for its unique and complex flavor profile, which is characterized by a combination of bitter and sweet notes. Some of the key flavors that can be detected in Campari include:
Bitter orange: This is one of the primary ingredients used in the production of Campari, and gives the liqueur its distinctive bitter taste.
Gentian root: Another bitter ingredient, gentian root adds depth and complexity to the flavor of Campari.
Rhubarb: This tart and tangy ingredient helps to balance out the bitter flavors in Campari, creating a more well-rounded taste.
Cinchona bark: This bitter ingredient is also used in the production of tonic water, and adds a distinctive bitter and earthy flavor to Campari.
Overall, Campari is a complex and sophisticated liqueur with a distinct bitter taste. It is often described as having notes of orange peel, herbs, and spices, with a slightly sweet finish.
Campari Cocktails: Recipes and Tips
Campari is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of cocktails, from classic recipes to modern creations. Here are a few popular Campari cocktail recipes to try:
Negroni: A classic cocktail made with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, garnished with an orange peel.
Americano: A refreshing cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
Boulevardier: A twist on the classic Negroni, made with Campari, bourbon, and sweet vermouth, garnished with a cherry.
Jungle Bird: A tropical cocktail made with Campari, rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a pineapple wedge.
When mixing cocktails with Campari, it’s important to remember that the liqueur is quite bitter, so it should be balanced out with other sweet or acidic ingredients. Additionally, Campari pairs well with citrus flavors, so try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your cocktail for a bright and refreshing twist.
How to Enjoy Campari in Different Settings
Campari is a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings, from a casual night at home to a fancy dinner party. Here are a few tips for enjoying Campari in different contexts:
Aperitif: In Italy, Campari is often enjoyed as an aperitif before dinner, to whet the appetite and prepare the palate for the meal to come. Try serving Campari on the rocks with a twist of orange peel for a classic aperitif experience.
Cocktails: As we mentioned earlier, Campari is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Negroni, Americano, and Boulevardier. Try mixing up one of these recipes at home, or experiment with your own Campari-based cocktail creations.
Dessert: Campari can also be used to add a bitter note to sweet desserts, such as sorbets, ice creams, and cakes. Try adding a splash of Campari to your favorite dessert recipe for a sophisticated and unexpected twist.
Gift: Finally, Campari makes a great gift for the cocktail enthusiast in your life. Consider putting together a Campari-themed gift basket, complete with a bottle of Campari, some cocktail recipe books, and a set of elegant glasses.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Campari is a sophisticated and versatile liqueur with a unique flavor profile that is sure to delight the palate.
