Campari Spritz: Aperitivo Hour, Culture and Tradition

When you think of an aperitivo, your mind probably takes you to that after-work-before-dinner drink space. The one where you meet up with friends and enjoy some leisurely cocktails and snacks before heading home for the evening. And while it is all of these things, aperitivo culture is so much more than that—and no one does it better than the people from the vibrant Italian city of Milan. In fact, they love it so much that this after-work moment has been deeply ingrained in their daily lives for centuries. 

While there are many drinks that you can mix up for an aperitivo hour at home, the one staple you should always have on hand is a bottle of Campari. This iconic red liqueur is one of the reasons aperitivo drinks even exist at all, and is the main ingredient in the Campari Spritz, a popular cocktail enjoyed in bars and cafés across Milan every day.

Join us as we take a look at Milanese aperitivo, the history of Campari, and explore modern aperitivo culture.  

The origins of Milanese aperitivo culture

Popular theory suggests that the ritual of aperitivo drinks was inspired by ancient Roman customs, where they would drink a light bitter beverage before a meal to get their appetites going and to aid digestion. But how does it work? The answer dates back to the 5th century, when Greek physician Hippocrates conducted multiple studies and figured out that bitter flavors stimulated hunger in his patients. This drink was a mixture of white wine, dictam flowers, wormwood and rue. The recipe was passed down through the centuries and eventually modernized. 

Milan’s aperitivo tradition is influenced by its culture of high fashion and innovation, as well as by its unique architecture. Their aperitif of choice is Campari, which was created by Gaspare Campari way back in 1860, while in Padova it’s Aperol, invented in 1919.  

It must be mentioned that one of the biggest moments for aperitivo in Milan was the invention of Campari, which led to the Campari Spritz recipe, and eventually to many other iconic Campari cocktails found on aperitivo menus across the world today. This iconic bitter red liqueur soon became the essence of this Milanese tradition, whetting appetites all over the city. 

In the past, aperitivo was just a matter of drinks and food, but over the years, it evolved into so much more than that—it became a ritual of socializing and a moment to share together at sunset, before carrying on with the busyness of life.  

Read next: 9 Spritz Cocktails to Enjoy this Summer 

The ritual of socializing

If you ever find yourself in Milan, one of the first things you should do is find somewhere to go for a traditional aperitivo to experience the city at its best. Why? Well, because the colorful people of Milan have been doing it since the 19th century, and the ritual of aperitivo is deeply rooted in their lifestyle and culture. And, as they say, when in Rome (or, in this case, Milan), do as the locals do. 

Each city has its own aperitivo style, with unique drinks and snacks, and Milan is no different. Chances are you’ll be sipping on a Campari Spritz and enjoying finger foods at around 7 p.m., while if you were in Venice, you’d be more likely to be drinking an Aperol Spritz and snacking on cicchetti at 5 p.m. But no matter the differences in drink and food pairings, one thing remains universal: This should be a moment to slow down and share the joy of being together.  

Top tip: Be sure to swing by the Camparino in Galleria in the heart of Milan for one of the best and most authentic aperitivo hours you’ll ever experience.  

Discover next: Aperitivo Hour in Italy 

Introducing Campari: a bitter icon   

So, what do we know about Campari by now? We know that it was created in Milan, that it’s enjoyed as an aperitif, and that it’s at the heart of some of the world’s most popular cocktails. But we haven’t really talked about one of the most important things yet, and that is taste, so let’s cover that quickly. 

The aroma is wonderfully complex, and has herbal, orange, and floral notes. The flavor is bitter (but in the most pleasant way) and it’s got a velvety aftertaste, with intense hints of orange, herbs, and wood.   

Doesn’t that sound delicious? And intriguing? And like you need to try it? Well, you should, because, believe it or not, the original recipe for Campari hasn’t changed since its invention in 1860, and it’s as popular today as it was back then.  

History snapshot

Speaking of 1860, here’s a quick timeline of Campari’s early history.  

• 1860: Gaspare Campari invented the Campari recipe, a drink so revolutionary that no one has altered it since. That’s right! Your bottle of Campari is made with a secret recipe that is 164 years old—and counting. A true definition of quality. 

• 1867: Gaspare opens up Caffé Campari in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the world’s oldest shopping mall) and Campari becomes more and more popular with his upmarket clients.  

• 1881: At the young age of 14 Gaspare’s son Davide starts working with him. This is where he learned all the secrets of the trade, setting himself up for future success.  

• 1882: Davide inherited the business and became an inspiring businessman. He traveled across Europe and established the brand along the way.  

• 1904: By now, Campari was a global phenomenon, and it wasn’t long before Davide needed a bigger space. He opened the first Campari plant in Sesto San Giovanni, an industrial town in Lombardy. Campari’s headquarters remain in this location to this day. 

And the rest, as they say, is history. And it’s an impressive and colorful one at that. If you’re curious to read more about this iconic brand’s story, check out this timeline on the Campari website. 

How to make the perfect Campari Spritz

This is a simple cocktail to master, but the small details matter. Here’s our fail-proof recipe for making the perfect Campari Spritz for your aperitivo hour, and some handy tips to make it the right way.    

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C 
• 2 oz Campari  
• 1 oz Soda water
• Slice of fresh orange
• Ice  

Method:  

1. Add ice to a large white wine glass 
2. Pour in the Prosecco and then the Campari 
3. Top with soda water
4. Mix it through once, while lifting your bar spoon from the bottom to the top 
5. Garnish with an orange slice, and serve 

Top tips:  

• Stir gently – if you overdo it, your Campari Spritz won’t have that signature sparkling taste.  
• Choose good quality prosecco. We suggest Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C. 
• Make sure your Prosecco and club soda are both ice cold. 
• If you’re just starting out on your aperitivo journey, we suggest you start with a lighter aperitivo drink, like the Aperol Spritz. This will no doubt whet your appetite for more sophisticated and complex aperitif cocktails like the Campari Spritz, Cynar Spritz and Negroni, which are all loved for their intense bittersweet taste. 

Flavors to match a Campari Spritz

A great food pairing is like a perfectly choreographed dance of aroma, taste, and flavor, with each playing a starring role. Knowing which dishes and cocktails complement each other is a skill many spend years perfecting. Here are some expert tips to keep in your pocket when planning on hosting a memorable aperitivo at home.  

On the flavor spectrum, use and combine ingredients that are:  

• Rich and creamy 

• Toasted and smoked 

• Concentrated and umami  

• Salty and sour 

• Herbaceous and pungent 

When creating the dishes, always keep balance of flavor in mind. That means that the cocktail flavor should be balanced with the dish’s flavor. Get that right, and your guests are in for a truly memorable experience, and that’s what aperitivo is all about.  

Make these: 12 Best Italian Cocktails to Make Today 

Food pairing inspiration

So, what you want to do when pairing a Campari Spritz with a dish is to pair this cocktail with something that will enhance the bitter taste of Campari. Using the above list of flavor combinations as inspiration, you can create several delicious finger foods. Here are a few of our favorites to pair with a Campari Spritz.  

• Olive Ascolane (stuffed and deep-fried olives)  

• Cuoppo di terra (delicious fried vegetables)  

• Crocchette (potato croquettes) 

• Supplì (fried arborio rice balls with mozzarella) 

• Arancini (fried arborio rice balls with mozzarella, beef and peas)  

• Focaccia with chorizo (garlic pizza bread with smoked sausage)  

• Beef empanadas with a cheese dip  

• Meat or fish tacos  

The art of aperitivo hour

By now you almost have everything you need to host a true aperitivo experience at home. All that is left is setting the scene and creating the atmosphere. Here are a few pointers to get you going:  

• Aperitivo hour should always be low-key, casual and inclusive. Remember this is a time for you and your guests to wind down and enjoy each other’s company. Go ahead and play some Italian music or chilled-out tracks in the background. 
• When setting a table, do this in your garden or outside if the weather allows. The best aperitivo is paired with a spectacular sunset. Also ensure that the seating is comfortable. 
• Arrange your aperitivo food pairings on platters or wooden boards so that everyone can help themselves. We suggest doing three food pairings (traditional, vegan and pescatarian), so that there’s something for everyone. And remember, aperitivo hour is a pre-meal ritual, not an actual dinner.  

Up next: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served?