5 Minute Campari Spritz Cocktail

An easy and refreshing cocktail for summer sipping

I can never turn down an easy refreshing spritz cocktail like my Elderflower Spritz or my Negroni Spritz. But if it’s a hot summer day and a bitter, more complex option available, it’s my number one choice! All bets are off if prosecco is involved, too.

This Campari Spritz Cocktail is a new contender for “best summer cocktail” because it checks all of the right boxes. It’s:

• Bitter and complex but still light and refreshing for summer 
• A layered sparkling cocktail with an eye-catching red hue
• Impressive looking; no one will notice how simple it was to make!

Just like cousin, the Aperol spritz, this easy sipper takes 5 minutes to put together using only 3 ingredients. No cocktail shaker, fancy methods, or hard-to-find ingredients needed. It’s one of the best go-to drinks you can make in no time and enjoy poolside!

Campari spritz vs. Aperol spritz

Both the Campari and Aperol spritz are bubbly and refreshing cocktails made with Italian aperitifs, prosecco, and club soda. The only distinguishing factor is the aperitif you choose. 

A Campari spritz is made with Campari. You’ll always find this layered and bitter spirit in a Negroni, Americano, and Negroni Sbagliato but it also pairs well with the fizzy and effervescent qualities of an Italian summer spritz. 

As for the Aperol spritz, it’s made with Aperol instead of Campari. Think of it as Campari’s sweeter cousin; it isn’t quite as bitter and features a summery orange flavor.

Ingredients needed

This Italian spritz is one of the best summer cocktails not only because it’s refreshing, but also because you only need 3 ingredients! Here’s what you need to make a Campari spritz:

Brut prosecco

Prosecco is a type of sparkling wine that’s available in three varieties of sweetness: brut, extra dry, and dry. Here, brut is the way to go. It isn’t as sweet as extra dry or dry varieties, meaning it won’t overpower the bitterness and balance in this cocktail. 

If you can’t find brut prosecco, use any other kind you like! This recipe still works if you choose to use sparkling rose, Cava, or, if you really want to be fancy, champagne.

Campari

This Italian red aperitif has a distinct bitter and herbal flavor thanks to its secret ingredients list made up of herbs, flowers, and fruit. Its strong bitter flavor is toned down when stirred with the prosecco, club soda, and ice, but it’s still the star of this cocktail.

There are no substitutes for Campari here because it wouldn’t be a Campari spritz without it. If you’re still getting used to the bitter flavor, use only 1 ounce of Campari or make this drink with a small splash of blood orange juice.

Club soda 

You can use any kind of non-flavored club soda or sparkling water you like, really. It’s an important ingredient for dilution and extra bubbles, but doesn’t affect the overall flavor. Tonic water will not work because the bitter quinine will throw off the balance of the drink (save it for a gin and tonic instead).

How to make a Campari spritz cocktail

This summer cocktail couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s how it’s done, step-by-step:

Tips and tricks

Follow these tips to make the best Campari spritz:

Heavy on the ice

This is a cooling summer cocktail, after all. Fill a wine glass to the brim with ice and pour the ingredients over top. You’ll have an ice-cold drink that’s ultra-refreshing, even on the hottest of days.

Don’t forget the garnish

This ruby red sparkling cocktail is already gorgeous and impressive looking but the right garnish can take it over the top. Tuck an orange or grapefruit slice into the glass, drop in an olive or two, or keep it simple with a lemon twist.

Recipe