Campari

Campari is a branded alcoholic beverage (between 20-24% alcohol by volume) introduced in Italy in 1860 by Gaspare Campari: it is a mild bitters-type apéritif, often drunk with soda, orange juice, or in mixed drinks. Though the recipe is a proprietary secret, its characteristic flavor is bitter orange peel. There is an Italian soft drink, Chinotto which has a similar flavour and it seems likely the Chinotto fruit could form part of the flavouring of Campari.

Related Topics:
Italy - 1860 - Gaspare Campari - Bitters - Apéritif - Drunk - Orange juice - Mixed drinks - Chinotto

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Campari's bright red color comes from natual carmine, which is derived from cochineal, which is used in other Italian alcoholic drinks, as for example Alchermes.

Related Topics:
Cochineal - Alchermes

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Large scale production and export began in 1904 when the first production plant was opened in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy. Though bitter Campari is most common today, a sweet Campari, that was light yellow in color, was once produced.

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In the Italian market, Campari mixed with carbonated water is sold in individual bottles as CampariSoda (10% alcohol by volume). CampariSoda was first created in 1932 and is considered the first pre-mixed drink in the world. CampariSoda is packaged in a distinctive bottle that was designed in the 1930s by Fortunato Depero.

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