Easing into Campari

Campari holds a special place in the heart of many. But for some, the only place it belongs is the gutter. This big bold bitter is packed with delicious flavor but when it's presented straight up, over soda, or in a Negroni, the flavors are too much for some.

That's why it's time to talk about #Campari like I talk about coffee. Despite being a devotee of drinking it black, if I was introducing it to someone for the first time, I'd be apt to recommend a latte, cappuccino, or iced coffee. Coffee is also a bitter beverage, and allowing them to experience it softened up by milk, sweetener, or ice would help soften its disposition. From there, they might then gradually wade in deeper until they try it more front-and-center. While there's something heroic about jumping in feet first, a lot of times it's just not fun.

There's more to Campari than just its bitter notes - orange, cinnamon, clove, cherry - and people often ask what else they can use it in. Even if you like a Negroni, sometimes it's nice to have other options. I built a primer of relatively simple Campari cocktails, which are all softer than a Negroni.

Want to see a behind-the-scenes exploration of Campari and soda?

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