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We have taken quite the break around here, and our last post was a very summery lemon sorbet recipe. Summer seems to be ending in the north of Italy as we speak and type this, with rain gracing our land and all of that. We have had a really hot summer – as it should – and drinking stuff like this Campari tonic has made it all the more bearable.

No, I am not condoning alcohol drinking, but the odd cocktail here and there can only be a nice little addition to your days. We had plenty of mocktails over to our other blog The Grumpy Olive so to make sure you know we don’t do drinking 24/7. In case you were worried, of course!

But back to our Campari tonic we go: it’s time to discover all the secrets to a great Campari tonic, the history of this historical aperitivo and what makes it the base of so many beloved drinks in Italy and around the world.

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It is time to get prepping this Campari Tonic to cheer the end of summer

Campari Tonic is celebrated for its simplicity and versatility. It is a perfect introduction for those who may find the full bitterness of Campari too strong in cocktails like the Negroni. Let’s see how to make it together.

What is Campari and what are its origins?

Campari is a bright red and orange, bittersweet liqueur originating from Italy known for its distinctive taste and essential role in classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Americano. Its history dates back to the 19th century and is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Italian aperitifs, drinks traditionally enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Campari was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, a bartender and master drink maker from Novara, Italy. Seeking to craft a unique drink, he experimented with various herbs, fruits, and alcohol, ultimately developing what would later be branded as Campari. His secret recipe, which has remained unchanged and is closely guarded, involves the infusion of over 60 ingredients, including herbs, spices, fruits and bark. The distinctive red colour of Campari originally came from the natural dye cochineal, derived from crushed insects, though this was replaced with artificial colourants in the early 2000s.

In the late 1800s, Gaspare opened the Café Camparino in Milan’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This café became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to experience his signature Italian liqueur. After Gaspare’s death, his son, Davide Campari, took over the business and expanded it internationally, solidifying Campari’s place in global cocktail culture.

What is a Campari tonic?

Campari Tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail that combines the distinctive bittersweet flavour of Campari with the crispness of tonic water. It’s an ideal drink for those who enjoy the vibrant, herbal and citrusy notes of Campari but prefer a lighter, more effervescent beverage.

This cocktail has become a favourite during warm summer months and is often enjoyed as an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink meant to stimulate the appetite. But as a year-round drink, too, because everyone can enjoy a nice cold cocktail in winter too.

What ingredients do I need to make Campari tonic?

The Campari Tonic is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail, and its simplicity highlights the importance of each ingredient. Let’s explore the key components in detail:

Campari: In the Campari Tonic, the liqueur provides the backbone of the drink, lending its distinctive bitterness and complex herbal character. It contrasts beautifully with the lighter, refreshing tonic water, creating a balanced yet bold cocktail;
Tonic Water: Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink flavoured with quinine, a bitter compound originally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine gives the tonic its distinctive dry, slightly bitter taste, which complements the bitterness of Campari. Many modern tonics also have a touch of sweetness and subtle citrus or herbal notes to balance out the bitterness. Tonic water dates back to the 19th century, when it was initially used as a medicinal drink to combat malaria, thanks to quinine’s properties. Over time, tonic water became a popular mixer, especially in drinks like the Gin & Tonic and, more recently, the Campari Tonic. Tonic water adds a refreshing effervescence and slightly sweet bitterness, making it the perfect partner for Campari. It lightens the intensity of the liqueur, while still enhancing its bittersweet character. The carbonation also provides a lively texture that makes the drink feel light and summery;
Ice: Ice is an essential component in the Campari Tonic as it chills the drink and keeps it refreshing, especially in warm weather. Large, clear ice cubes are ideal because they melt more slowly, preventing dilution of the cocktail while still maintaining the perfect temperature. While ice itself doesn’t directly alter the flavour, it ensures that the drink is consumed at its ideal coldness, which enhances the balance between the bitterness of the Campari and the crispness of the tonic water;
Rosemary: Rosemary is an aromatic herb with a woody, pine-like fragrance and earthy flavour. When used as a garnish, it adds a subtle herbal aroma and complexity that complements the botanical qualities of both Campari and tonic water. The rosemary sprig not only enhances the visual appeal of the drink but also introduces an aromatic layer that elevates the drinking experience. As the cocktail is sipped, the scent of rosemary engages the senses, making the drink more aromatic and multidimensional. It pairs particularly well with the herbal and citrus elements in Campari. To garnish the Campari Tonic, simply add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the glass. For added impact, you can gently bruise the sprig by pressing it between your fingers before placing it in the drink, which will release more of its essential oils.

hand holding a glass of two glasses of campari tonic with rosemary sprigs, a blue towel and a jug with campari behind, on a marble background

Campari Tonic Recipe, 3 ingredients

Simona

Campari Tonic is celebrated for its simplicity and versatility, a perfect introduction for those who may find the full bitterness of Campari too strong.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drink

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 drink