Campari and soda is a classic Italian aperitivo that's light and refreshing. It's a low alcohol and low calorie cocktail that's great before a meal or as an all-day sipper!
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A Campari and Soda is one of my favorite cocktails for loads of reasons. First, Campari has a delicious gentle bitterness, light sweetness, and wonderful aroma, and adding club soda turns it into a sippable drink that allows for full enjoyment of those flavors without covering them up.
Secondly, it's low in alcohol. It's perfect if you are looking for a lower alcohol drink that you can imbibe over the course of an afternoon, or before dinner to whet your appetite. It's also a low calorie cocktail, and that's never a bad thing.
Let's look at all the reasons you should start enjoying Campari and Soda as part of your regular cocktail rotation!
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Makes a great aperitif!
Campari and Soda is a classic aperitif, or aperitivo in Italian, which are drinks that you have before a meal to stimulate your appetite. They are generally drier drinks that have some bitterness, as opposed to sweet drinks. The bitter herbs in Campari stimulate your taste buds and wake them up, preparing your palate and your stomach for the flavors to come.
It's low in alcohol
Campari and soda has a low alcohol content, so you can sip on one without the fear of being totally blotto within the first few minutes. Campari has about 24% ABV (alcohol by volume) which is nearly half that of other liquors like gin or bourbon. When mixed with soda water at a 3:1 ratio, the ABV of the cocktail is about 6%, close to the range of an average craft beer. Of course, you can use even more club soda to decrease the alcohol content further, while still enjoying the taste of the Campari.
Low in calories, but full of flavor
A single, 1.5 ounce shot of Campari only has 120 calories, and of course club soda has zero calories. This makes it a great low calorie choice if you're watching your calorie intake, but still want a fun, flavorful cocktail.
Ingredients
- Campari: Invented in Italy in 1860, Campari is a red-hued liqueur infused with bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit. There is no substitute for this ingredient! The flavor is unique.
- Club soda: Use your favorite brand, or make your own like I do with a SodaStream.
- Orange slices: For the garnish
Instructions
Fill a high ball glass or rocks glass with ice.
Add club soda and let any fizz die down.
Gently pour Campari into the glass, garnish with an orange slice, and serve!
Tips
- Unlike most recipes, I will tell you to pour the Campari in AFTER the club soda. This is because the Campari is heavier than the club soda. If it is poured first, it tends to stay on the bottom. If you pour it after the soda, it will filter evenly throughout the drink, without having to stir it and diminish the carbonation.
- Be sure to chill the club soda before making a Campari and Soda. This will slow the dilution of the drink, keep the flavors lively, and ensure that your bubbles stay bubbly!
- You can adjust the strength of the drink to suit your tastes. It's generally 1 part Campari to 3 parts club soda, but if you prefer more equal amounts, or more club soda, go for it!
FAQ
Campari is a bitter-forward liqueur, with notes of light sweetness from orange and cherry flavors. There is a hint of warm spice like cinnamon and clove. The club soda mellows these flavors without muting them, and adds bright effervescence.
Garnish with a slice of orange, but don't squeeze it into the drink. Just allow it to impart aroma and a bit of sweetness over time.
Campari and Soda is great as an aperitif, a drink served before a meal. It's also very refreshing, so it's perfect in the summertime.
Related Recipes
Craving something pretty and fizzy, but sweeter? A Dirty Shirley has got you covered!
If you like Campari and Soda, try these Campari cocktails!
- Negroni: The mother of all Italian cocktails with just three ingredients—gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Boulevardier: Cousin to the Negroni and the Manhattan, made with bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth.
- A Milano Torino is another simple, 2-ingredient cocktail, just Campari and sweet vermouth.
Recipe
Campari and Soda
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Campari
- 4.5 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Fill a high ball glass or rocks glass with ice.
- Add soda water and let any fizz die down.
- Gently pour the Campari over the soda water.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
Notes
- Unlike most recipes, I will tell you to pour the Campari in AFTER the club soda. This is because the Campari is heavier than the club soda. If it is poured first, it tends to stay on the bottom. If you pour it after the soda, it will filter evenly throughout the drink, without having to stir it and diminish the carbonation.
- Be sure to chill the club soda before making a Campari and Soda. This will slow the dilution of the drink, keep the flavors lively, and ensure that your bubbles stay bubbly!
- You can adjust the strength of the drink to suit your tastes. It's generally 1 part Campari to 3 parts soda water, but if you prefer more equal amounts, or more club soda, go for it!
- I prefer to make my own club soda with a SodaStream. It's better for the environment and much more affordable in the long run!
Linda
Lower alcohol is a plus.
Easy enough for anyone to make.
Debra
Thanks for reading Linda!