Campari isn't for everyone. But those who get it get it.
If you don't know from Campari — a bittersweet, bright red Italian aperitif infused with oranges, rhubarb, and a top-secret blend of interesting herbs — then it's time you took the plunge.
The first time you try Campari, you'll probably think anyone who says they love it is either crazy or lying; that's normal. It's bitter. Then you'll try it again, with plenty of seltzer and a slice of orange, and you'll start to understand. Pretty soon you'll be fully addicted. And once you are, here are some creative ideas to help you proceed.
1. Campari Strawberry Limeade Ice Pops
Tara O'Brady / sevenspoons.net
Recipe here.
2. Negroni
Gin, vermouth, Campari. Truly the co*cktail to rule all other co*cktails. Get the recipe.
3. Rum Campari Punch
A hint of bitterness gives this fruity punch a kick in the pants. Get the recipe.
4. Campari Basil Mojito
Rachael White / rachaelwhite.me
5. Grapefruit Campari Granita
Laura Sant / saveur.com
G & C is a natural match. And best of all, there's no need for an ice cream maker. Get the recipe.
6. English Bloodhound
A greyhound (gin and grapefruit) turns into a bloodhound when you add bright-red Campari. Get the recipe.
7. Campari & IPA Spritzer
Anjali Prasertong / thekitchn.com
You wouldn't necessarily think so, but bitter beer plus bittersweet booze just works. Get the recipe.
8. 522 North Pinckney co*cktail
Christina Holmes / bonappetit.com
Add fresh grapefruit juice, St. Germain, and bubbly. Get the recipe.
9. Lemon Layer Cake with Campari Frosting
Caroline Russock / seriouseats.com
Perfect for your classiest friend's birthday. Get the recipe.
10. Campari Spritz
Add a little Prosecco to glitz up your average Campari-and-soda. Get the recipe.
11. Precious Thyme
Campari, limoncello, vermouth, soda, and a sprig of fresh thyme. Get the recipe.
12. Campari Ice Cubes
Mix Campari with equal parts orange juice or water and freeze into cubes (you need to dilute the alcohol percentage or they won't freeze). Then you can eat them like a slushy or put them in pretty much any drink. More info here.
13. Campari Shandy
Molly Wizenberg / food52.com
Any slightly fruity wheat beer will be happy to have a summer fling with Campari. Get the recipe.
14. Nacho Vidal
Marcus Nilsson / bonappetit.com
Made with tequila and tangy "shrub" syrup, this hits all the important S's: sweet, sour, spicy, sassy, and summery. Get the recipe.
15. Campari Chip Ice Cream
Grownups only. Get the recipe.
16. Venetian Cup
Laura Sant / saveur.com
If you're looking for a drink to serve at your hip summer wedding reception, this could be it: Campari, Pimm's and ginger beer. Get the recipe.
17. Il Palio
Helen Rosner / saveur.com
Highbrow-brilliant: The Campari ice cubes melt gradually into bourbon and vermouth, which turns your Manhattan into a Boulevardier. Get the recipe.
18. Campari Cantaloupe Popsicles
Tracy Benjamin / shutterbean.com
Campari is a badass influence on the world's friendliest melon. Get the recipe.
19. Agavoni
Robyn Lee / seriouseats.com
A fresh tequila-based take on the Negroni. Get the recipe.
20. Plume
Nick Caruana / seriouseats.com
A little absinthe makes things interesting. Get the recipe.
21. Raspberry-Campari Sorbet
Max Falkowitz / seriouseats.com
Raspberry makes a slightly sweeter, mellowed partner for Campari than the more common grapefruit. Get the recipe.
22. Americano
MacKenzie Smith / saveur.com
Campari, vermouth, and soda makes for one of the greatest, simplest co*cktails you can drink before dinner on a summer night. Get the recipe.
23. Sparkling Jungle Bird
Ilana Lepkowski / drinks.seriouseats.com
This tiki concoction involves making your own pineapple and lime-infused rum. Get the recipe.
24. Watermelon Squares in Campari
All the best tea parties end with everyone drunk. Get the recipe.
25. Pink Negroni
Zoe Schaeffer / saveur.com
Lighten up the old 'groni by swapping in Lillet and lemon for the vermouth. Get the recipe.
26. Campari & Orange
27. Evening in Kingston
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriot / bonappetit.com
A rummy spin on the ever-adaptable Negroni. Get the recipe.
