Campari Soda recipe
The quintessential Milanese aperitivo balancing bitter gentian with crisp effervescence.
Method: Build ·
Glass: Highball glass ·
Time: 2 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Campari
- 4 oz Club soda (chilled)
How to make a Campari Soda
- Fill a highball glass with large, crystal-clear ice cubes.
- Pour the Campari directly over the ice.
- Top with chilled club soda, pouring gently down the side to preserve carbonation.
- Stir briefly and gently from bottom to top once.
- Garnish with a fresh orange half-wheel.
Garnish
Orange half-wheel
Pro tip
Chill both the spirit and soda beforehand to minimize ice melt and maintain maximum effervescence.
History of the Campari Soda
Originating in Milan during the early 20th century, the classic bitter-and-soda combination became an icon of Italian café culture, popularized worldwide when Davide Campari commissioned Futurist artist Fortunato Depero to design its distinctive conical bottle in 1932. Modern bartenders still keep Campari Soda in circulation because the recipe shows a clear point of view without needless decoration.
Flavour profile
Bitter, Herbaceous, Crisp, Citrusy
Variations
- Milano-Torino — Substitute half of the club soda volume with sweet vermouth.
- Garibaldi — Replace club soda entirely with freshly squeezed, fluffy-spun orange juice.
- Americano — Add equal parts sweet vermouth and top with club soda.
Practise making the Campari Soda in the free Virtual Bar game.