Campari Aperitivo

Campari Aperitivo shines brightest when sipped as part of a refreshing spritz or mixed into a bittersweet cocktail, though adventurous palates may enjoy it neat or on the rocks. This vibrant red spirit is perfect for warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with light appetizers like olives, cheese, and cured meats, or acting as a zesty counterpoint to rich, savory dishes.

Nose: Bitter orange peel dominates, followed by herbal notes of gentian and rhubarb. Hints of cinnamon and clove add warmth. A subtle cherry sweetness lingers in the background.

Palate: Intensely bitter upfront, reminiscent of grapefruit pith. Herbaceous flavors of wormwood and gentian root emerge. Sweet notes of red berries and candied orange balance the bitterness. A touch of vanilla smooths the edges.

Finish: Long and bitter, with a warming spice. Quinine-like dryness coats the tongue. Lingering notes of orange zest and aromatic herbs. Slightly medicinal, leaving a refreshing and appetite-stimulating sensation.

Campari Aperitivo is crafted using a secret blend of herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit in alcohol and water. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, it's known that the ingredients are infused through a process of cold maceration to extract their flavors and colors, resulting in Campari's distinctive ruby-red hue and complex, bittersweet taste profile.

• Campari's signature ruby-red color originally came from carmine dye, which is derived from crushed cochineal insects. The company only switched to artificial coloring in 2006, keeping the recipe change under wraps for several years.
• Despite its Italian heritage, Campari was first produced in significant quantities in Switzerland. The founder, Gaspare Campari, moved production there in the 1840s to avoid high taxes in his native Lombardy.
• In the 1920s, Campari commissioned famous Italian artist Leonetto Cappiello to create an advertisement. The result, featuring a spirited figure emerging from an orange peel, became so iconic that it's still used in marketing nearly a century later and is considered a masterpiece of Art Nouveau poster design.