Updated on: 6/3/2025
Campari Spritz vs Aperol Spritz: Origins, Flavors, and Traditions
Exploring Italian aperitivo culture quickly brings two classics to the forefront: the Campari Spritz and the Aperol Spritz. Both are vibrant, refreshing, and effervescent—yet their personalities, flavor complexity, and historical roots make each unique. Discerning between them helps appreciate more than just their color.
Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz: A Brief History
The spritz began as a northern Italian tradition around Venice in the late 1800s, when Austro-Hungarians started diluting local wines with a splash of sparkling water. Over time, liqueurs joined the party. Aperol, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, was an instant hit for its refreshing, low-alcohol style. Campari, established earlier in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Milan, pressed deeper with intense bitterness and color. Both spirits now define the modern spritz, but each carries its special twist on Italy's late afternoon rituals.
Campari Spritz vs Aperol Spritz: Taste and Appearance
- Aperol Spritz: Offers a gentle, bittersweet orange flavor with subtle herbal undertones. Its low alcohol content (11% ABV) lets the prosecco's floral notes and citrus shine. The color is bright orange and almost glowing. Aperol's sweetness appeals to those who like lighter, easy-drinking aperitivi.
- Campari Spritz: Delivers a bold, assertive bitterness, underpinned by dark citrus, rhubarb, and aromatic herbs. At 25% ABV, Campari is punchier and more complex, bringing greater depth and a deep ruby-red color. The finish lingers, making it popular with fans of classic Italian bitter drinks.
Comparing Aperol Campari Spritz Recipes
Both drinks follow a similar build—bitters, sparkling wine, and soda—but ratios and spirits matter. Here’s how the two Italian classics break down:
Aperol Spritz Recipe
- 60 ml Aperol
- 90 ml prosecco
- 30 ml soda water
- 1 orange wheel for garnish
- Fill a large wine glass generously with ice.
- Pour 60 ml Aperol over the ice.
- Add 90 ml chilled prosecco.
- Top with 30 ml soda water.
- Stir gently and garnish with a fresh orange wheel.
Campari Spritz Recipe
- 60 ml Campari
- 90 ml prosecco
- 30 ml soda water
- 1 large orange slice or wedge for garnish
- Add plenty of ice to a wine glass.
- Pour 60 ml Campari into the glass.
- Follow with 90 ml prosecco.
- Finish with 30 ml soda water.
- Stir gently and decorate with an orange slice or wedge.
Tradition and Culture in Every Sip
Aperol Spritz became globally recognized for its sessionable, sunny style—appearing on patios and café tables wherever the Italian dream is sold. Campari Spritz, while less common outside Italy, earns deep respect among those who crave the bitterness that defines true aperitivo culture. The choice often comes down to palate and the mood of the moment—a lighter, approachable Aperol, or the bold, complex Campari.