Savoring the Moment: Olivia Cerio on the Art of Campari
We got to shoot the breeze with Olivia Cerio, a Campari specialist with lots of hospitality experience, who blends her passion for Italian culture and botanicals to inspire and educate. She connects professionals to Campari’s traditions, encouraging them to savor life’s small moments of celebration. These are some of her valuable insights on all things Campari.
TM: What makes Campari unique?
Olivia: Campari stands out in many ways—from its intriguing history and origin story to its closely guarded secret recipe and timeless marketing. As a symbol of Italian culture and the cornerstone ingredient of the Negroni, it holds a distinctive place in the beverage world. Its global presence and unmatched flavor make it truly unique.
TM: Please describe Campari’s flavor profile
Olivia: Campari boasts a richly complex flavor profile, distinguished by its herbaceous and unmistakable bitter notes. The flavor lingers on your palate as you enjoy it, evolving with each sip. What begins with a bold bitterness gradually unfolds into a symphony of delicate floral notes, creating a layered and sophisticated tasting experience that reveals new dimensions with every sip.
TM: What are popular Campari cocktails readers can make at home?
Olivia: The Negroni is the #1 ordered cocktail globally, with Campari being the main ingredient of any proper Negroni. There are numerous variations of this exceptional cocktail, including the Sbagliato, which combines Prosecco, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Mezcal Negroni is also very popular, and the Boulevardier continues to be a cult classic. All these wildly different and popular variations have one thing in common: Campari.
TM: What are your top tips for using Campari in cocktails?
Olivia: When crafting a cocktail with Campari, choose ingredients that complement its bold and delicate characteristics without overshadowing it. Look for elements that contribute their own unique qualities, harmonizing with Campari’s distinct flavor to create a well-balanced and delicious drink.
TM: How can we creatively use Campari in cocktails that go beyond the classics?
Olivia: Campari complements so many cocktails, and the spectrum of versatility and cocktails yet to be created with this ingredient is infinite! Don’t be afraid to try something that sounds wacky, it might just work! I really enjoy Campari added as a float on frozen drinks or in citrus-forward cocktails like a Paloma or Daiquiri.
TM: What are some emerging trends in cocktails that Campari is a part of?
Olivia: Campari has been leading trends since its inception. We are seeing a huge shift in people’s palates, looking for more intriguing and bitter cocktails and riffs on classics, leading them to discover Campari. Italian eating and drinking culture are also always on trend, and Campari is front and center with its classic Milanese flair and effortless luxury.
TM: Are there any unusual or surprising food pairings that you recommend for Campari?
Olivia: My favorite food pairing with Campari may not be unusual, but it is incredibly specific and delicious. I love late summer heirloom tomatoes on bruschetta with soft cheese like mozzarella, olive oil, and pepper. Add a few figs to the mix and a Campari Soda—a beautiful pairing!
Olivia’s favorite Campari cocktail
My favorite Campari cocktail is called Rome with a View, by Michael McIlroy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Cinzano Dry Vermouth
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Orange wheel, to garnish
- Ice
METHOD
- Add Campari, dry vermouth, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass.
- Top with soda and garnish with an orange wheel.
Feeling inspired? Then be sure to check out our top 8 Campari cocktails. And if you want to learn more about the vibrant red world of Campari visit their website and see why this timeless ingredient is at the heart of some of the best cocktails in the world. Cin cin!
