Exploring Campari: The Provocative Aperitif

Introduction
Campari is an aperitif unlike any other. Its iconic status and deep red colour has earned it a place as the show-stopping ingredient in a variety of classic cocktails. But what exactly is Campari? In this blog we’ll be exploring what Campari is, how it’s produced and its role in popular culture.

History
Campari was born in 1860 as a result of Gaspare Campari’s experiments. He ran a café in Novara and began to produce a range of liqueurs that blended vegetables and herbs. His signature beverage combined bitters, herbs and citrus blended with alcohol, creating an aperitif with a signature flavor. Gaspare trademarked Campari in 1892 and its popularity spread. His family-run company, Davide Campari-Milano, is still producing the original aperitif today.

Production
Campari is produced from a closely guarded recipe containing a blend of ingredients – some secret, some not – that includes alcohol, water, sugar and various herbs, plants and fruit. The herbs and plants are sourced from the Torino hills in Italy, and the fruit – including sweet and bitter oranges – comes mostly from Sicily. The ingredients are steeped in alcohol to create a concentrated infusion that is boiled, added to water and then left to mature. The colour and flavor of the aperitif intensify during this process.

Popularity & Popular Culture
Campari’s beautiful deep red colour, unique taste and versatility have made it an essential ingredient in a variety of cocktails. It’s become an iconic figure through its association with the Negroni and its starring role in the movie Aperitif with Campari. Its appearance in popular culture has been further bolstered by its advertising campaigns, such as the Twilight Series and Art Series.

Conclusion
Campari is an unmistakable aperitif with a long, rich history. Its iconic colour and flavour have earned it a place in not just in bars and restaurants, but also in popular culture. Whether you’re enjoying a Negroni or a Campari spritz, Campari is an unforgettable addition to a variety of drinks.