How to Create a Campari Spritzer: Recipe, Variations & Serving Tips

Campari spritzer cocktail in a wine glass with orange garnish

The Campari Spritzer is a vibrant, bittersweet aperitif that brings together Italian tradition and effortless refreshment. Built on Campari’s signature herbal bitterness, this cocktail balances sparkling wine and a splash of soda to create a crisp, eye-catching drink that suits any relaxed gathering or pre-dinner toast.

Classic Campari Spritzer Recipe

A Campari Spritzer highlights three core ingredients: Campari, sparkling wine (such as Prosecco), and soda water. Its preparation is straightforward—no shaking or specialty gear required.

60 ml Campari
90 ml dry Prosecco or other sparkling wine
30 ml chilled soda water
Slice of orange or wedge of grapefruit (for garnish)
Ice cubes

Fill a large wine glass or tumbler generously with ice cubes.
Pour 60 ml Campari directly over the ice.
Add 90 ml sparkling wine to the glass.
Top with 30 ml soda water for effervescence.
Briefly stir to integrate.
Garnish with a fresh orange slice or grapefruit wedge.

Tips for the Perfect Campari Spritzer

Use well-chilled ingredients to maximize both refreshment and fizziness.
Prosecco is the traditional sparkling wine, but dry Cava or Brut Champagne offer a crisper, less sweet profile.
Garnishes matter: a thick-sliced orange or grapefruit accentuates Campari’s citrus notes.
For gatherings, pre-batch the Campari and sparkling wine in a pitcher (keep ratios intact), topping each glass with freshly added soda and ice.

Close-up of orange and grapefruit garnishes for Campari spritzer

Campari Spritzer Variations to Try

The base spritzer recipe is easy to customize. Small tweaks unlock new flavor profiles while keeping the drink unmistakably Campari.

Citrus Spritz: Use 30 ml fresh blood orange or ruby grapefruit juice instead of soda water for extra richness and tartness.
Tropical Campari Spritzer: Mix in 15 ml pineapple juice or passion fruit purée to the base recipe for a sunny, lightly sweet twist.
Bittersweet & Herbal: Add 1–2 ml aromatic bitters (such as orange bitters) or a sprig of fresh rosemary when garnishing for botanical depth.
Low-Alcohol Option: Replace half the sparkling wine with extra soda, or use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative for a thirst-quenching spritz.

Campari spritzer with rosemary and grapefruit twist in tumbler

Serving Suggestions & Glass Options

A stemmed wine glass showcases the drink’s color and keeps it cold longer.
Lowball tumblers bring a relaxed, casual feel—best for easy refills.
Present on a bright tray with wedges of fresh citrus and a bowl of olives for an authentic Italian aperitivo.

A Campari Spritzer brings a lively touch to any summer afternoon or sunset gathering. Experiment with variations and adjust the ratios to find your ideal bittersweet refreshment.