What is a Campari Spritz?

The Campari Spritz is an Italian aperitif cocktail that became popular in northern Italy in the 1920s. Unlike its sweeter relative, the Aperol Spritz, the Campari Spritz is distinguished by its distinctly tart, bitter notes – thanks to the intense red Campari liqueur. The classic combination of Campari, Prosecco, and soda water makes it the perfect drink for the aperitivo, the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks.

The name "Spritz" actually originates from the Austro-Hungarian period: in the 19th century, soldiers would "spritz" Italian wine with water to make it lighter. Today, the Spritz is a global classic – and Campari is the choice for those who prefer something less sweet and more complex.

Classic Campari Spritz recipe – the 3-1-1 rule

Preparing a Campari Spritz couldn't be simpler. The golden rule is: 3-1-1 . This means:

• 3 parts Prosecco (or a dry sparkling wine, Cava, Crémant)
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part soda water
• ice cubes
• Orange slice or zest as a garnish

Preparation step by step

1. Prepare the glass: Fill a large wine glass or tumbler glass with ice cubes.
2. Prosecco first: Pour the Prosecco into the glass first – it forms the base and prevents the heavier Campari from simply sinking to the bottom.
3. Add Campari: Carefully pour the Campari over a bar spoon so that it spreads gently.
4. Top up with soda: Add soda water – do not stir too much, otherwise you will lose the carbonation.
5. Garnish: Finish with an orange slice or zest – the essential oil of the orange perfectly counteracts the bitterness.

Tip: Use a dry Prosecco (brut) so the drink isn't too sweet. The bitterness of the Campari needs the balance of acidity, not more sugar.

Campari Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz – what is the difference?

Both drinks belong to the Spritz family, but they could hardly be more different:

In conclusion: The Campari Spritz is the more sophisticated, less sweet option – perfect if you find Aperol too "plain". You can learn more about lighter alternatives in our article on Aperol Spritz alternatives .

CALMA: The modern ready-to-drink spritz

It's even easier with CALMA – our ready-made interpretation of the aperitif moment with grapefruit and bitter orange. CALMA is elegant, sparkling, fruity-bitter, and lighter .

Fruity, slightly bitter and perfectly balanced – a Spritz for those looking for something more grown-up than the classic Aperol.

LET'S MIX!

Ingredients

• 160 ml CALOW grapefruit-lime-bitter orange
• 40 ml Martini Fiero
• Ice cubes (not crushed ice)
• Grapefruit slice as garnish

preparation

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour CALOW and Martini Fiero over the ice.
3. Stir briefly.
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Enjoy the refreshing, bitter-fruity taste of CALMA – perfect for relaxed evenings and modern aperitivo moments.

CALMA is:

• Less sweet. Less heavy. But full of character.
• A fresh option for those who want to rethink the aperitif – with less sugar, fewer calories and more clarity in taste.

You can learn more about our Spritz philosophy in our article about the Spritz category .

Variations & Adjustments – Find Your Perfect Campari Spritz

The Campari Spritz thrives on its adaptability. Here are the key adjustment points:

More bitterness?

Increase the Campari to 1.5 parts or reduce the soda water. Alternatively, use an even drier Prosecco (extra brut).

Less bitter?

Reduce the Campari to 0.5 parts or add a squeeze of lemon. This softens the bitterness and adds a refreshing acidity.

Experimental variations

• Pink Campari Spritz: Replace Campari with Cappelletti or Bitteroma for less intensity.
• Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of basil or rosemary – it goes particularly well with the CALOW grapefruit-lime variety.
• Seasonal variation: In winter, a slice of blood orange works perfectly, in summer grapefruit.

You can find more summery drink ideas in our guide to summer drinks with alcohol .

Serving tips & food pairing – how to serve Campari Spritz correctly

The right glass

The Campari Spritz is traditionally served in a large wine glass or tumbler – plenty of room for ice and garnish. Avoid small champagne flutes – the drink needs volume to truly shine.

The perfect time of day

The Campari Spritz is the classic aperitif – ideally enjoyed between 5 pm and 7 pm, before dinner. The bitter notes stimulate the appetite and perfectly prepare the palate for the meal.

Food pairing – what goes well with a Campari Spritz?

• Italian antipasti: olives, salami, Parmigiano, bruschetta
• Light snacks: sea salt chips, roasted almonds
• Seafood: prawns, calamari, salmon carpaccio
• Cheese: Mild, creamy varieties such as burrata or young pecorino

Tip: The Campari Spritz is ideal for summer evenings on the terrace or as an aperitif at barbecue events – more ideas can be found in our article about party drinks .

Frequently asked questions about Campari Spritz

Can I mix both recipes using the same CALOW variety?

Yes – the CALOW Grapefruit-Lime is the best choice. It brings freshness, subtle bitter notes and little sugar – perfect for combining with Campari.

Are both versions lower in alcohol?

Yes – using CALOW as a base lowers the overall alcohol content. While a classic Campari Spritz has around 10-12% ABV, the CALOW version has about 7-8% ABV.

How much sugar is in a Calow Spritz?

CALOW itself contains approximately 1.9g of sugar per 100ml , which equates to about 3-4g per glass – far below the usual 12-20g found in classic spritz drinks. Learn more in our guide to low-sugar alcoholic beverages .

Which Prosecco is best suited?

Choose a dry Prosecco (brut or extra brut) . The natural bitterness of the Campari needs the balance of acidity, not more sweetness. Alternatively, Cava or French Crémant also work excellently.

Can I prepare the Campari Spritz in advance?

It's best not to – the carbonation suffers if you let the drink stand for too long. Instead, prepare all the ingredients (ice, glasses, garnish) and mix just before serving.

Conclusion: Campari Spritz – classic or modern?

The Campari Spritz remains a timeless classic – bitter, elegant, and perfect for an aperitivo. But now you have a choice: classic with Prosecco and soda, or modern and lighter with CALOW. Both versions work wonderfully, but with CALOW you enjoy fewer calories, less sugar, and still full flavor.

No matter which version you choose, the Campari Spritz is more than just a drink – it's a moment of peace, anticipation, and lightness. Try both and find your favorite.