The Intoxicologist

Campari truly is a classic with no need for review.  While this spirit is widely consumed overseas it is not as common in some areas of the country in the United States.  Campari might be one of those spirits sitting on the liquor store shelf that intrigues by its color, character, mystique and sexiness, but leaves the average American consumer bewildered as to what exactly to do with it in the field of cocktails. 

One seems to have to acquire a taste for this particular aperitif/spirit.  Campari’s aroma is dry with barely there sweetness if any at all.  Orange spice definitely becomes prevalent.  The taste is sweet, medium in body and spicy with a dry finish and slight bitterness.  Campari is definitely not a spirit most American’s walk up to a bar and think of first off for summery cocktails on the rocks as they might a Mojito, Margarita or Cosmopolitan.  But, Campari’s unique characteristics enable classic and new style cocktail creation with outside the box thinking.  The spice tones create an excellent base for fresh orange and citrus cocktails.  Bitter chocolate becomes another possibility for this interesting spirit. 

Campari Margarita – ala Campari

1 ounce Campari

1-1/2 ounce Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila

½ ounce Cointreau

1 ounce Lime Juice

Combine Campari, Cabo Wabo, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake.  Strain into a margarita or martini glass.

The Campari Margarita smells fabulous!  The reposado shines through distinctly in the aroma.  Flavor balance between all components is well done.  Rather than orange character, there are definite cherry notes in this cocktail.  The finish is particularly drying.

Mediterranean Escape – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Campari

1-1/2 ounce Ventura Limoncello

3 ounces Ginger Ale

Lemon Wedge – squeezed

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine Campari, Ventura Limoncello and Ginger Ale in a tall glass over ice.  Squeeze lemon wedge over the top and discard.  Garnish with a lemon twist. 

Light.  Refreshing.  Simply sweet.  Not too drying in the finish.  This becomes a nice summer refreshing different than the usual with something new to try within the spirit world.

Rather than overlook a spirit on the shelf for lack of knowing just what to do with it, pick it up for purchase.  Taste it as is, try it as recommended by the spirit company and then do a little experimentation on your own.  After all, what is the worst that could happen?  There may be a trickle or two of liquid that may end up down the drain if experimentation goes awry.  In all honesty every trial and error becomes a new level of learning how spirits work together.  Campari is just one spirit that adds new dimension to the cocktail. 

More Campari News & Cocktails from The Intoxicologist:

·         Campari acquires Wild Turkey

·         Father’s Day Cocktails for the No Frills Dad

·         Escape to the Italian Seaside with Campari Summer Cocktails

·         Campari Continues Modern Patronage of Contemporary Art

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved