Campari and Soda

The Campari and Soda is a classic two-ingredient cocktail that epitomizes Italian aperitivo culture. Its vibrant ruby-red hue is instantly recognizable, promising a unique and sophisticated flavor experience. The drink perfectly balances Campari's complex bittersweet notes of orange peel, cherry, and herbs with the clean, neutral effervescence of soda water. This combination creates an incredibly refreshing, light-bodied, and palate-cleansing drink that is both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Campari and Soda

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Campari and Soda is quintessentially an aperitif, designed to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is served in a tall glass, classifying it as a Highball. Its simplicity and classic status make it a staple in the world of simple, elegant cocktails.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a Highball or Collins glass, this is a light and refreshing drink with a relatively low alcohol content. Its simplicity is its greatest strength.
Serving size
180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 7-9% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the exact origin is not tied to a single "ah-ha" moment, the Campari and Soda (or "Campari e Seltz") rose to prominence in Italy in the early 20th century. It became a cornerstone of the aperitivo tradition, a pre-dinner ritual of drinks and light snacks. Its popularity soared with the production of the pre-mixed Campari Soda in its iconic conical bottle, designed by Fortunato Depero in 1932. The drink represents a timeless, effortless Italian style.
Origin
Italy, early 20th century. The drink's popularity grew alongside the rise of aperitivo culture across the country, particularly in Milan, the home of Campari.

Campari and Soda

Known in its native Italy as "Campari e Soda," this drink is most commonly referred to simply as Campari and Soda or Campari Soda. The name is straightforward, describing its two primary ingredients. It is a testament to the drink's elegant simplicity.
Original name
Campari e Soda
Alternative name
Campari Soda

Characteristics overview

This drink has a distinctively bittersweet flavor profile with a refreshing, bubbly texture and a vibrant red appearance. Its aroma is herbal and citrusy, leading to a clean, dry finish that perfectly cleanses the palate.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, bitter orange, cherry, crisp
Aroma
Citrus peel, bitter herbs, quinine, floral
Taste balance
Bitter, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, bitter, lingering herbal notes, dry
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Vibrant ruby red, transparent, clear
Texture
Light-bodied, watery, crisp, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, palate-cleansing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is defined by its pronounced bitterness and high carbonation, with very low sweetness, fruitiness, and alcohol strength. It is a crisp, dry, and straightforwardly bitter aperitif.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two key ingredients: the iconic Italian bitter liqueur, Campari, and a good quality, bubbly soda water. A fresh orange or lemon for garnish is highly recommended.
  • Campari60 ml / 2 oz
    The heart and soul of the drink, providing its signature color and bittersweet flavor.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Use a freshly opened bottle for maximum fizziness. Seltzer or sparkling mineral water also works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is required as this drink is built directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon is useful for a quick, gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
  • Bar spoon for a gentle stir

Instructions

This is one of the easiest cocktails to prepare: simply fill a glass with ice, add Campari, top with soda water, give it a gentle stir, and garnish.
1. Fill a Highball or Collins glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of Campari over the ice.
3. Top the glass with cold, fresh soda water (approximately 4 oz / 120 ml).
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing fizz.
5. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or wedge before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh orange slice or wedge is classic and enhances the drink's citrus aroma and flavor. A lemon twist can also be used for a brighter, more zesty profile.
  • Orange Slice or Wedge: An orange slice or wedge is placed directly into the drink, complementing Campari's citrus notes.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. As Campari no longer uses cochineal for coloring, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Campari and Soda is relatively low in calories, with virtually all of its carbohydrates and sugar coming from the Campari liqueur itself. Soda water adds no calories or sugar.
Calories
Averagely 110 kcal / 460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is the quintessential choice for "aperitivo hour," setting the stage perfectly for a meal. It's an excellent option for warm summer afternoons, casual get-togethers, or anytime a light and refreshing alcoholic beverage is desired.
  • Aperitivo Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Summer Afternoon
  • Casual Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The drink's bitterness is a perfect foil for salty and fatty foods. It pairs exceptionally well with classic Italian aperitivo snacks like green olives, salted nuts, potato chips, and platters of cured meats and cheeses.
  • Salty Snacks (Potato Chips, Pretzels)
  • Olives
  • Cured Meats (Prosciutto, Salami)
  • Hard Cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • Focaccia Bread

Campari and Soda: The Essence of Italian Aperitivo

The Campari and Soda is a testament to the idea that simplicity often equals perfection. As a classic Italian aperitivo, it offers a sophisticated and refreshing experience with its signature bittersweet flavor and lively effervescence. Easy to make and endlessly elegant, its vibrant red color and palate-cleansing qualities make it the ideal drink to start an evening or enjoy on a sunny afternoon. It's a timeless choice for those who appreciate a bold, adult flavor profile without complexity or pretense.

Similar Cocktails

Americano

Adds an equal part of sweet vermouth to the Campari before topping with soda, resulting in a richer, sweeter, and more complex drink.

Campari Spritz

Replaces most of the soda water with Prosecco, creating a more festive, bubbly, and slightly stronger cocktail.

Negroni Sbagliato

A "mistaken Negroni" that combines Campari and sweet vermouth, but tops with Prosecco instead of gin and soda.

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