When we think of Campari-based cocktails, there’s one that comes to mind way more than any other. The Negroni is by far the most well-known Campari-centric mixed drink. Along with London dry gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari, it’s beloved for its bittersweet, piney, citrus-forward flavor profile. But, like many cocktails, it’s not for everyone.
In my years of writing about alcohol, I’ve imbibed Negronis from London to Los Angeles. But I can totally understand why someone would want a change of pace from time to time. This cocktail is bitter, sweet, and definitely unique. Lucky for these folks, there are myriad other Campari-based cocktails just waiting to be discovered.
What is Campari?
Before we get into the non-Negroni drinks, it’s important to give a little background on Campari itself. Known for its bright red appearance, Campari is a bitter, Italian aperitif liqueur well known for its bittersweet flavor profile featuring herbal and citrus notes. The recipe is kept secret, but it is believed to be flavored with things like rhubarb, quinine, angelica root, ginseng, and gentian root. It’s enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a variety of cocktails. And while it’s most closely associated with the Neroni, there are countless other mixed drinks featuring this popular aperitif.
The best non-Negroni Campari cocktails
Now that you have got a little background on Campari and know that there are other Campari-based cocktail options, it’s time to find some to add to your repertoire. Below, you’ll find some of the best, most balanced, flavorful Campari cocktails to make it you don’t like Negronis. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Old Pal
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce rye whiskey
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
Preparation: Add ice to a mixing glass. Pour in the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari into the glass. Gently stir to combine and chill. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Flavor profile: Thanks to the use of rye whiskey, this drink is a little spicier and less piney than the Negroni. The dry vermouth adds extra dry flavor as well.
Bitterness level: mid
When to drink it: late night
Americano
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces of Campari
- 1.5 ounces of sweet red vermouth
- Club soda topper
Preparation: Add ice to a Highball glass. Add the Campari and sweet red vermouth. Top with club today. Gently stir to combine and chill. Garnish with an orange twist.
Flavor profile: The Americano is a lighter version of the classic Negroni. Swapping out club soda adds an extra effervescence.
Bitterness level: mid
When to drink it: aperitivo
Boulevardier
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon (or rye whiskey)
- 1 ounce of Campari
- 1 ounce of sweet red vermouth
Preparation: Add ice to a mixing glass. Add bourbon (or rye whiskey), Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir gently to combine and chill. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Flavor profile: The base of bourbon adds corn sweetness that tempers the bittersweet Campari well.
Bitterness level: mid
When to drink it: dinner
Jungle Bird
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1.5 ounces fresh pineapple juice
- .5 ounces fresh lime juice
- .5 ounces demerara syrup
Preparation: Add ice to a shaker. Pour in the dark rum, Campari, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and demerara syrup. Shake vigorously to combine and chill. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Flavor profile: If you’re looking for the bittersweet, herbal flavor of Campari to be one of many flavors that combine to make a symphony of tropical sweetness, this is the drink for you.
Bitterness level: low
When to drink it: dinner
Campari Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Campari
- 3 ounces of prosecco
- 1 ounce of soda water
Preparation: An ice to an oversized wine glass. Pour in the Campari, prosecco, and soda water. Gently stir to combine and chill. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Flavor profile: If you already like a classic Aperol Spritz, you’ll love the additional bitter, effervescent flavor of a Campari Spritz.
Bitterness level: mid
When to drink it: aperitivo
