Everything you need to know about Campari

All about Campari

Campari is a popular Italian spirit known for its unique and bitter taste. It is made by infusing a mixture of herbs, spices and fruit peel into a neutral spirit and then mixing it with water and sugar. The result is a bright red liquid with a distinct flavor unlike any other spirit.

Campari’s history dates back to 1860 when Gaspare Campari, an Italian businessman, created the recipe for the spirit in Novara, Italy. He originally called it “Bitter all’Uso d’Olanda”, which means “Dutch-style bitters”. However, over time it became known simply as Campari.

In the early days, Campari was mainly drunk as an aperitif, a drink served before a meal to whet the appetite. However, it quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Italian bars and restaurants.

versatility

One of the reasons for Campari’s success is its versatility. It can be enjoyed neat or blended with other spirits and ingredients to create a wide range of cocktails. Popular Campari-based cocktails include the Negroni, the Americano, and the Campari Spritz.

Made with Campari, gin and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It has a complex bitter and sweet flavor and is often served with a hint of orange zest.

The Americano made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water is another classic Campari cocktail. It’s a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail that’s perfect for summer.

The Campari Spritz is a newer creation that has been gaining popularity lately. It consists of Campari, Prosecco and soda water and is usually served in a wine glass with a slice of orange.

Besides being used in cocktails, Campari is also used as an ingredient in the kitchen. Its bitter taste can add depth and complexity to various dishes, including pasta sauces, marinades, and desserts.

One of the most well-known uses of Campari in the kitchen is in the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu. The campari’s bitter taste helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a complex and delicious dessert.

Not for everyone

Despite its popularity, Campari isn’t for everyone. Its bitter taste can be an acquired taste and some people find it too strong or overwhelming. However, for those who enjoy it, Campari is a unique and versatile spirit that can add a touch of Italian sophistication to any occasion.

In recent years, Campari has also become known for its often colorful and whimsical advertising campaigns. One of the most famous Campari commercials features actress Uma Thurman lounging on a red velvet bed and sipping a Campari cocktail.

Drinks with Campari and what is in it.

Some numerous cocktails and drinks contain Campari as an ingredient. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Negroni: The Negroni is a classic cocktail made with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. Typically, it is garnished with an orange peel.
2. Americano: The Americano is a refreshing cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water. It is usually served over ice with a slice of lemon or orange.
3. Campari Spritz: The Campari Spritz is a popular aperitif in Italy, made with Campari, Prosecco and soda water. It is usually served in a wine glass with a slice of orange.
4. Boulevardier: The Boulevardier is a twist on the classic Negroni, made with equal parts Campari, bourbon, and sweet vermouth. Typically, it is garnished with a cherry.
5. Jungle Bird: The Jungle Bird is a tropical cocktail made with Campari, rum, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup. It is usually served over ice with a pineapple slice.
6. Rosita: The Rosita is a tequila-based cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and angostura bitters. It is usually served with a slice of orange.
7. Campari and Soda: Campari and Soda is a simple yet refreshing drink made with Campari and soda water. It is usually served over ice with a slice of orange.
8. Paper Plane: The Paper Plane is a modern cocktail made with equal parts Campari, Bourbon, Aperol, and lemon juice. It is usually served with a slice of lemon.
9. Campari and Tonic: The Campari and Tonic is a twist on the classic gin and tonic, made with Campari, tonic water and a slice of grapefruit.
10. Campari Martini: The Campari Martini is a modern take on the classic martini made with Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and orange bitters. It is usually served with a slice of orange.

These are just a few examples of the many drinks that contain Campari as an ingredient. Additionally, Campari’s unique and complex flavor profile makes it well suited to a wide range of cocktails and mixed drinks, making it a versatile and popular spirit among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.

What makes Campari bitter?

Campari is bitter because a mixture of herbs, spices and fruit peel is added during production. The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret. Nevertheless, it contains a combination of ingredients such as quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, orange peel and cinchona bark, among others.

Quinine is a bitter substance found in the bark of the cinchona tree and is commonly used to treat malaria. Rhubarb is a sour vegetable that gives Campari a bitter taste, while ginseng is an herb believed to have various health benefits.

Orange peel is also a key ingredient in Campari, giving the spirit its distinctive orange color. The oils in orange peel contain bitter compounds like limonene and linalool, which contribute to the overall bitterness of the spirit.

The combination of these bitter ingredients creates Campari’s unique and complex flavor profile, often described as notes of citrus, spice and herbs. Campari’s bitterness can be quite intense, especially when consumed neat, but can be balanced with other ingredients in cocktails or cooking.

Five fun facts about Campari.

1. Campari was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, a bartender and entrepreneur from Novara, Italy. The recipe for Campari has been a closely guarded secret ever since.
2. Campari’s bright red color comes from carmine, a natural dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Carmine was used to color many foods and beverages until synthetic dyes became more widely available in the late 19th century.
3. Campari was originally marketed as a medicinal tonic and was thought to have various health benefits. It has also been used as a digestive aid and antimalarial.
4. Campari has a characteristic bitter taste that comes from herbs, spices and fruit peel. The exact recipe for Campari is a closely guarded secret. However, it contains a combination of ingredients such as quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, orange peel and cinchona bark, among others.
5. Campari has been featured in many artworks and pop culture over the years. It has been the subject of paintings by artists such as Leonetto Cappiello and Fortunato Depero, and featured in songs by musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Lana Del Rey. It has also been featured in films such as Ocean’s Eleven and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

While there aren’t many famous songs that specifically mention Campari, there are a few notable examples:

1. “Dolce Vita” by Ryan Paris: This popular Italian pop song from the 1980s contains the lyrics “Sorseggiando un Campari / In dolce vita” (“Sip a Campari / In the sweet life”).
2. “Rumore” by Raffaella Carrà: This 1970s Italian disco hit includes the lyrics “Il Campari mi fa girare / Ma se sei qui mi sento bene” (“Campari makes me dizzy / But when you’re here I feel good”).
3. “Vodka Cola” by Gang: This 1990s Italian song has the lyrics “Preferisco un Campari / Che mi fa sentire un gentleman” (“I prefer a Campari / It makes me feel like a gentleman”).
4. “La Cumparsita” by Carlos Gardel: This famous tango, first recorded in 1916, has been covered by many artists over the years, and some versions include the lyrics “Bebiendo Campari / en la barra del café” (“Drinking Campari / at the coffee bar “).

While these songs may not be widely known outside of Italy, they are examples of how Campari has become embedded into the country’s cultural fabric and has inspired art and music over the years.

Can you use Campari for cooking?

Yes, Campari can be used in cooking to add a bitter and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Here are a few examples of how Campari can be used in cooking:

1. Sauces and marinades: Campari can add a unique flavor to sauces and marinades. For example, you can add a dash of Campari to tomato sauce for pasta, or use it as a marinade for chicken or pork.
2. Desserts: Campari can flavor desserts such as sorbets, ice cream and fruit salads. It goes particularly well with citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.
3. Cocktails in cooking: Campari can enhance the flavor of cocktails used in cooking, such as a classic Negroni sauce for pasta or a Campari glaze for meat dishes.
4. Salad Dressings: Campari can be added to salad dressings for a sweet and bitter taste. A classic vinaigrette can be made with Campari, olive oil, vinegar and honey.

Campari can be a versatile ingredient in cooking, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and add a unique touch to your dishes.