Classic Campari Spritz Recipe: How to Make the Traditional Cocktail

A classic Campari spritz made with three simple ingredients and garnished with fresh strawberries and orange. This ruby-red aperitivo is elegant, refreshing and easy to prepare—perfect with a few small snacks.

A campari cocktail in two round glasses garnished with fruit

Bright, bitter and beautifully hued, this Campari cocktail combines prosecco, soda and Campari for a crisp, slightly bitter spritz that pairs wonderfully with fruit garnishes like strawberries and orange slices.

If you enjoy an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni, you’ll likely appreciate this drink. It’s more bitter than an Aperol Spritz and less fruity, but equally refreshing and stylish.

What You Need

  • Campari
  • Prosecco
  • Soda or sparkling water
  • Fresh strawberries and orange slices (optional)

The fruit garnish is optional but adds aroma and freshness—strawberries in particular complement Campari nicely. While not traditional, the fruit makes this version lovely for casual entertaining.

How to Make a Classic Campari Cocktail – Step by Step

Fill a glass with ice, add Campari, then top with prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. Stir gently if desired and finish with slices of fresh strawberries and orange.

Step by step photos for making a campari cocktail

Variations

If Campari feels too bitter, try one of these simple tweaks to make the drink fruitier or softer:

  • Half Aperol, half Campari: Replace half the Campari with Aperol for a softer, orangey spritz.
  • Campari with orange juice: Reduce the Campari and add fresh blood orange juice for sweetness and color.
  • More prosecco: Use less Campari and more prosecco for a fizzier, lighter cocktail.
  • Passion fruit splash: Cut the Campari and add a dash of passion fruit liqueur for tropical notes.

This cocktail is deliberately simple—no syrups or complicated prep—so it’s quick to make and perfect for sunny afternoons with nibbles.

Food to Serve with Campari

Serve the spritz with marinated olives, crostini, bruschetta or creamy dips. Small bites with salty or savory notes balance the bitterness and make a lovely aperitivo spread.

A close up of a campari spritz in a glass with fresh strawberries and oranges

More Italian Cocktails You Might Like:

  • Limoncello Mojito Cocktail
  • Blood Orange Cocktail – Gin & Thyme
  • Aperol Spritz Cocktail
  • Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
  • Cointreau Rose Cocktail with Strawberries

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Step By Step Photos Above

Most recipes include step-by-step photos, helpful tips and sometimes video to help you get great results.

Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz

5 from 7 votes

By Emily

Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 1 cocktail
Square image of a campari cocktail
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A classic Campari spritz made with three simple ingredients and garnished with strawberries and orange. Elegant, refreshing and ideal as an aperitivo.

Ingredients

  • 2 parts Campari (2 oz / 60 ml)
  • 3 parts Prosecco (3 oz / 90 ml)
  • 1 part soda or sparkling water (1 oz / 30 ml)
  • 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 sliced blood or fresh orange
  • ice

Instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice, add Campari, then top with prosecco and sparkling water.
  • Garnish with slices of fresh strawberries, orange, or other fruit of your choice.

Notes

Other Variations

If Campari is too bitter, try a milder or fruitier version: mix half Aperol and half Campari, add fresh blood orange juice, increase the prosecco, or add a splash of passion fruit liqueur.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • Extra virgin olive oil is used throughout unless stated otherwise.
  • When using canned tomatoes, choose good-quality brands for best flavour.
  • Vegetable sizes are standard unless noted.
  • Recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven where applicable.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 17 g
|
Sodium: 12 mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.



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