In the dog days of August, Campari drinks are what I crave. Campari's bracing bitterness and lush grapefruit notes are refreshing when mixed simply with soda, drunk before dinner to awaken the appetite and the palate. Campari also happens to be mixed up in some of the most classic old-fashioned cocktails and aperitivi. These are exactly what I want to drink, this time of year. Here are five favorites!
Here are five favorites, from simple and old-school to new(ish) and more nuanced.
• 1 The Bittercup - My personal favorite. A new creation with a nod to the classics, from a bar in Vancouver. Campari, a touch of Fernet Branca, a splash of prosecco, and few more surprises. Slightly fizzy, ever so refreshing.
• 2 The Negroni - An absolute old-school classic. Gin, Campari, a twist. A drink with a kick, best drunk in the evenings, before a high-class dinner.
• 3 The Americano - Like the Negroni, but gentler. No gin, and a splash of something fizzy instead. A great sipper for weekend afternoons.
• 4 The Lucien Gaudin - My husband's drink of choice. This very old-fashioned cocktail is similar to the Negroni, but a little more easy-drinking. A splash of Cointreau and dry vermouth instead of sweet give it a rounder, fuller balance, in my opinion.
• 5 Cocktail Maison - A "house cocktail" from France, with a lovely flavor from Champagne, and a peachy blush from the Campari.
What is your favorite Campari drink? Do you drink it year-round, or just in the summer? Here's a litle more background on Campari, and a bonus recipe, too, if you like to eat your Campari instead of drinking it!
On Campari
• Grownup Popsicle Recipe: Boozy Campari Citrus Pops
• Survey: Have You Campari-ed Lately?
• All About Aperitifs
(Images: See linked posts for full image credits.)
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I believe Negroni has to have some sweat vermouth along with jin and campari.
I mean sweet vermouth! No body want "sweat vermouth". My bad
Recently, I've been adding house-made vanilla-kissed rhubarb syrup and a splash of fresh lime juice to Campari over lots of ice, top up with sparkling water.
Ooooh, Foodelf, that sounds delicious! Do you mind sharing the recipe for that divine syrup?
Personally, I'm happy to drink Campari year-round, though it never hits the spot quite as nicely as it does in the summer.
I've really tried... but i can't bring myself to like campari. It takes like medicine to me.
The Campari Popsicle recipe from June (?) is oh, so good as a granita. Knocks my guests OUT. I will now officially have a batch in my freezer at all times during the summer.
I second deleteme. I guess I haven't tried enough, but I can't get myself to like Campari. I studied abroad in Milan, and wanted to like it because the Negroni was the natives' drink of choice, but I just can't seem to be able to sip without a grimace.
i LUV campari. i prefer negroni's or just a simple campari n soda (which is what i drink at home)...nothing too sweet. i love the bitterness of it.
JubileeJubilee - Very easy and so delicious; I've just used up the last of my rhubarb from the garden on my third batch.
Rhubarb Syrup recipe may be found at http://www.sevenspoons.net/blog/2010/6/22/a-rhubarb-story.html