Unique Ways to Serve a Campari Spritz

Campari spritz in a vintage lowball glass with orange twist and large clear ice cube

A Campari Spritz brings together refreshing bitterness, vibrant color, and a celebratory sparkle. While the classic build—Campari, prosecco, and soda—works in nearly any setting, a creative approach can elevate both the look and taste, making your version stand out.

Creative Glassware: Beyond the Wine Glass

Swapping out standard stemware is an effortless way to grab attention. Choosing the right glass can set the tone for the whole drinking experience, from playful to refined.

Tall Collins glass: Amplifies the effervescence, especially with extra ice and a long spiral of orange peel.
Coupe: A stemmed option that feels celebratory and keeps the drink delicate. Useful for a slightly drier spritz or when serving smaller portions.
Vintage crystal lowball: For a bit of retro glamour, especially when paired with large clear ice cubes.

Show-Stopping Garnishes: Flavor and Flair

An unexpected garnish is an instant conversation starter. It goes beyond the standard orange wedge and transforms both presentation and aroma. For deeper color and elegant contrast, bold garnishes shine against Campari’s vivid red hue.

Dehydrated citrus wheels: Orange or grapefruit slices, dried until translucent, float beautifully and concentrate aroma.
Rosemary or thyme sprig: Adds herbal nose and a sophisticated look.
Brûléed orange round: A slice of orange, caramelized with a torch, brings smokiness and a gentle crunch.

Campari spritz with dehydrated orange wheel and rosemary sprig garnish

Unexpected Pairings: Campari Spritz and Whipped Shortbread Spritz Cookies

Bittersweet spritz cocktails and buttery cookies are a bold match—especially when the treat carries its own Campari or Aperol twist. The crisp, crumbly melt of a whipped shortbread spritz cookie lets the drink’s bitterness pop, while citrus zest in both builds a compelling bridge.

Aperol-Campari shortbread: Infuse a classic whipped shortbread recipe with 5–10 ml Campari or Aperol, plus orange zest, for a soft blush color and subtle bitter lift.
Serve cookies dusted with candied grapefruit peel to echo the drink, or lightly glazed with a reduction of Campari.

Campari Aperol shortbread spritz cookies on a plate beside a spritz glass

Recipe: Whipped Shortbread Spritz Cookies with Campari or Aperol

Highlight the color and aroma of your Campari Spritz by serving it with a buttery, winged-cookie. The bitter notes of Campari or Aperol cut through the richness while a touch of orange zest nods to the drink’s citrus profile. Here’s how to make them at home:

250 g soft unsalted butter
65 g powdered sugar
225 g all-purpose flour
10 ml Campari or Aperol
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of sea salt

Preheat oven to 160°C and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Beat butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar, and whip until pale and mousse-like.
Fold in flour, Campari or Aperol, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. The dough should be soft and pipable.
Pipe or spoon into small rosettes or bars (about 4–5 cm), spacing 2 cm apart.
Bake 18–22 minutes until set and pale golden at edges.
Cool on pan 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Optionally glaze with a Campari reduction.

Extra Touches: Ice & Spritz Variations

Ice shape makes a surprise impression—oversized spheres, crystal-clear cubes, or even floral ice add visual excitement and slow dilution. For instant uniqueness:

Freeze edible flowers or thin grapefruit wedges into your ice cubes.
Swap in blood orange soda for half the prosecco for a deeper color and robust citrus finish.
Rim the glass lightly with crushed rose or pink peppercorn for a twist on aroma.