Aperitivi
Campari Soda
The short answer
An iconic Italian aperitivo, Campari Soda is a pre-mixed blend of Campari and carbonated water at 10% ABV. It's famous for its bright red color, bittersweet taste, and distinctive conical bottle designed in 1932.
- Style
- Pre-mixed bitter, 10% ABV
- Glass
- Original conical bottle or a small tumbler
- Strength
- 10%
Where it comes from
The pre-mixed drink was launched in 1932. Its unique, label-free bottle was designed by Futurist artist Fortunato Depero and has remained a celebrated icon of Italian design and bar culture for nearly a century.
What you need
- 1 bottle (98ml) Pre-mixed Campari Soda
- Ice (optional for glass serving)
- Orange wedge (optional for glass serving)
How Larry builds it
- 01
Chill. Place the individual Campari Soda bottles in the refrigerator until thoroughly cold.
- 02
Serve. Open the crown cap and serve the bottle as is, or pour into a small glass over fresh ice.
- 03
Garnish. If serving in a glass, add a small slice of orange to complement the bitter citrus notes.
Larry’s rule: Designed by Fortunato Depero in 1932. The bottle is the garnish.
Variations worth making
Campari & Soda (Manual)
Mix 1 part Campari with 2-3 parts chilled soda water over ice if the pre-mixed bottles are unavailable.
Campari Seltz
A bar-style version using a soda siphon to create a more aggressive, frothy carbonation when mixing.
Americano
Add an equal part of sweet vermouth to Campari and soda for the classic Americano cocktail.
Questions people ask
Do I need to add extra soda?
No, the bottle contains a pre-mixed drink with Campari and soda water perfectly balanced to 10% ABV.
What does Campari taste like?
It has a distinct bittersweet flavor profile with prominent notes of orange peel, rhubarb, cherry, and other herbs and spices.
What is special about the bottle?
The iconic conical bottle was designed by futurist artist Fortunato Depero in 1932 and has no label. It's considered a piece of classic Italian design.
Should it be served warm?
No, it is highly recommended to serve Campari Soda ice-cold to properly balance its bitterness and enhance the carbonation.
What to eat with it
Mix it like Larry
The shakers, jiggers and glasses behind this drink.
Mixology 15-Piece Bartender Kit with StandView on Amazon →
BARE BARREL 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker SetView on Amazon →
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set with StandView on Amazon →
Japanese-Style Double Jiggers, 2-PackView on Amazon →
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Order Campari Soda with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Aperitivi
← All 159 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/campari-soda.