I first learned of this drink when traveling to Italy, and I saw many locals order it as an apéritif. Typically drank to stimulate the palate before eating. I ordered one, took a sip, and immediately fell in love with my new favorite Italian apéritif. My wife didn’t like it right away until we got home, and I made them on hot summer evenings before dinner. Now she’s hooked, and we can’t wait to go back to Italy for Campari Spritz with the locals.

You can also use Aperol, which is similar to Campari. It’s more orange in color, has less alcohol, and isn’t as strong.

Campari created in 1860

This simple drink is made with Campari. Gaspare Campari, a master drink maker in Novara, Italy, created this liquor in 1860. Its made by infusing bitter herbs, fragrant plants, and fruit in alcohol and water. It’s the base for many drinks, for instance, the Americano, Negroni, and others. Campari has a bitter, almost peppery flavor. The actual recipe remains a secret today.

Here’s the recipe:

• Fill a glass or tumbler with a few ice cubes.

Add:

• 2 ounces of Campari
• 3 ounces of Prosecco
• 1 ounce of Club Soda
• An orange slice (ours in Florence, Italy had cucumber, basil, blueberries, oranges, and more)

Sit back and enjoy this favorite Italian Apéritif!