Name: Campari® Martini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 parts vodka; 1 part Campari®

Indulge in the sophisticated charm of a Campari martini. This delightful cocktail blends the robust character of vodka with the distinct bitterness of Campari, creating an elegant drink perfect for any occasion.

Photos of Campari® Martini Recipe

If you don't have Campari at home, be prepared to find it in the liqueur section of your supermarket. It's an Italian aperitif known for its bitter and herbal flavor, which may not be a staple in every household.

Ingredients For Campari Martini Recipe

vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage with a neutral flavor, providing the base for the martini.

Campari: An Italian aperitif with a characteristic red color and a distinct bitter and herbal flavor.

One reader, Ashely Salyer says:

The Campari martini recipe is a delightful twist on the classic martini. The bitterness of the Campari perfectly complements the smooth vodka, creating a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail. It's easy to make and impresses guests every time. Highly recommend!

Ashely Salyer

Techniques Required

How to shake with ice: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the ingredients, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. How to strain: Use a strainer to pour the liquid from the shaker into a glass, leaving the ice behind.

How To Make Campari® Martini

Serve a refreshing drink with this Campari martini. This vodka-based cocktail comes with notes of sweetness and fruity flavor.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3partsvodka
1partCampari®

Instructions

Shake with ice and strain.

Nutrition

Calories: 323.63kcal
Sodium: 1.40mg
Potassium: 1.54mg
Iron: 0.02mg

Technique Tip for This Cocktail

When preparing a Campari martini, ensure that you use a high-quality vodka to enhance the overall flavor profile. Shake the mixture vigorously with ice to achieve a well-chilled and properly diluted drink. Strain into a chilled martini glass to maintain the perfect temperature and presentation.

How to Save Time on Making This Drink

Pre-chill your ingredients: Keep your vodka and Campari in the freezer so they are already cold, reducing the need for extensive shaking.

Use a cocktail shaker: A cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer can save time and make the process smoother.

Measure with jiggers: Use jiggers to quickly and accurately measure your vodka and Campari.

Batch your drinks: If making multiple martinis, mix them in a larger batch to save time on individual preparation.

Prepare garnishes ahead: Have your garnishes ready before you start mixing to streamline the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Campari® Martini Recipe

vodka - Substitute with gin: Gin can provide a similar alcoholic base with a botanical twist, adding complexity to the drink.
vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum offers a lighter, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the bitterness of Campari.
campari - Substitute with aperol: Aperol is less bitter and has a lower alcohol content, making the drink smoother and slightly sweeter.
campari - Substitute with red vermouth: Red vermouth provides a sweet and herbal profile that can balance the strong flavors of vodka.

Best Way to Present This Recipe

Select premium ingredients: Choose high-quality vodka and campari to ensure the best flavor profile for your martini.
Chill the glassware: Place your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
Use crystal-clear ice: Shake the vodka and campari with large, clear ice cubes to minimize dilution and maintain the integrity of the flavors.
Strain with precision: Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure no ice shards make it into the final drink, resulting in a smooth and elegant presentation.
Garnish with sophistication: Add a twist of orange peel or a luxardo cherry to the rim of the glass for a touch of color and a hint of complementary flavor.
Serve immediately: Present the martini as soon as it’s strained to maintain its optimal temperature and freshness.
Use elegant glassware: Opt for a sleek, stemmed martini glass to elevate the visual appeal and enhance the overall drinking experience.

Best Tools for This Cocktail

Cocktail shaker: Use this to mix the vodka and Campari with ice, ensuring a well-chilled and blended drink.
Strainer: This helps to remove the ice and any small particles when pouring the drink into the glass.
Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure you get the correct proportions of vodka and Campari.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly for a smoother taste.
Martini glass: The classic glassware for serving a martini, enhancing the presentation and experience.
Bar spoon: Useful for stirring the drink if you prefer a stirred martini instead of a shaken one.

Random Fact About This Recipe

A Campari® Martini is a modern twist on the classic martini, substituting the traditional vermouth with Campari®. This gives the cocktail a distinctive bitter flavor and a vibrant red color.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

The Campari martini recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. With only two ingredients, vodka and Campari, the overall expense is minimal. A bottle of vodka costs around $20, and Campari is about $25. Given that a household of four would only need a small amount for each serving, these bottles would last for multiple occasions. The approximate cost for this recipe for a household of four is around $45, but this investment covers many servings. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Campari® martini recipe is not particularly healthy. The primary ingredients, vodka and Campari®, are both alcoholic beverages. Alcohol contains empty calories, meaning it provides energy without any essential nutrients. Consuming alcohol in excess can lead to various health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and increased risk of certain cancers. Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain due to its high caloric content.

To make this drink healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the alcohol content: Use less vodka and Campari®, and replace some of the volume with sparkling water or a splash of fresh citrus juice.
Add fresh ingredients: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or basil for added flavor without extra calories.
Use natural sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter drink, opt for a small amount of honey or agave syrup instead of sugary mixers.
Include antioxidants: Add a splash of pomegranate juice or a few fresh berries to boost the antioxidant content.
Limit consumption: Enjoy this drink occasionally rather than regularly to minimize the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Editor's Thoughts on This Cocktail

This Campari martini recipe is a bold and straightforward cocktail, perfect for those who appreciate the bitter complexity of Campari. The simplicity of using just vodka and Campari allows the unique flavors of the Campari to shine through. However, it might benefit from a touch of sweetness or a citrus twist to balance the bitterness. Consider adding a dash of simple syrup or a lemon twist to elevate the drink. Overall, it's a strong, no-nonsense cocktail that will appeal to those with a taste for robust, bitter flavors.

Enhance Your Campari® Martini Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your Campari® Martini experience with a plate of Stuffed Mushrooms. These delightful bites are filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, offering a perfect balance to the bold flavors of your cocktail.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Add a touch of elegance to your Campari® Martini with Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon. The sweet juiciness of melon paired with the salty, rich taste of prosciutto creates a harmonious contrast that complements the drink's bitter notes.

Caprese Skewers: For a refreshing and colorful side, serve Caprese Skewers alongside your Campari® Martini. These skewers feature cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze.

Bruschetta: Pair your Campari® Martini with a classic Bruschetta. Crisp baguette slices topped with a vibrant mix of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil make for an irresistible combination.

Shrimp Cocktail: Enhance your Campari® Martini with a sophisticated Shrimp Cocktail. Chilled shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce provides a refreshing and luxurious accompaniment to your drink.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail

Negroni: Dive into the classic Negroni for a perfect balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This iconic cocktail is a symphony of bitter and sweet, ideal for any sophisticated gathering.

Boulevardier: For a twist on the Negroni, try the Boulevardier. Swap out the gin for bourbon and enjoy a richer, deeper flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the bitter notes of Campari.

Americano: The Americano is a refreshing, low-alcohol option that combines Campari with sweet vermouth and a splash of soda water. It's a light and bubbly choice for a warm afternoon.

Campari Spritz: Elevate your aperitivo hour with a Campari Spritz. Mix Campari with prosecco and a splash of soda water for a vibrant, effervescent cocktail that's both bitter and refreshing.

Jungle Bird: Transport yourself to the tropics with the Jungle Bird. This exotic cocktail blends dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup for a fruity, bittersweet delight.

Why trust this Campari® Martini Recipe:

This Campari® Martini recipe is a delightful twist on the classic martini, offering a perfect balance of vodka and Campari®. The simplicity of just two ingredients ensures a smooth and sophisticated drink. Shaking with ice enhances the flavors, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion. Trust this recipe for its ease, elegance, and the unique bitter-sweet profile that Campari® brings to the table.

Want to share your experience making this Campari® Martini or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Ingredients Spotlight forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use gin instead of vodka in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer gin over vodka, go ahead and make the swap. It will give your martini a different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.

How do I properly shake the ingredients with ice?

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka and Campari, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the drink and dilutes it slightly, making it smoother.

What type of glass should I use for serving?

A martini glass is the classic choice for this cocktail. If you don't have one, a coupe glass or even a rocks glass will work just fine.

Can I add a garnish to this martini?

Sure thing! A twist of lemon peel or an orange slice can add a nice touch of citrus aroma and flavor to your drink.

Is there a way to make this drink less bitter?

If you find the Campari too bitter, you can add a splash of sweet vermouth or a bit of simple syrup to balance it out. Adjust to your taste!