campari® bitters
Campari contains minimal nutritional value beyond its alcohol content (approximately 110 calories per 1.5 oz serving). The ingredient provides no significant vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients.
About
Campari is a bright red Italian aperitivo bitters produced in Milano since 1860 by the Campari Group. Originally formulated by Gaspare Campari, it is a proprietary blend of approximately 60 different herbs, fruits, and plant infusions steeped in alcohol, whose exact recipe remains a trade secret. The spirit's distinctive crimson hue historically derived from cochineal insect dye, though modern formulations typically use synthetic colorants. It possesses a distinctly bitter flavor with subtle fruity and herbal notes, relatively low alcohol content (25% ABV), and a characteristically dry, slightly sweet finish.
Culinary Uses
Campari serves as a foundational ingredient in numerous classic cocktails, most notably the Negroni, Americano, and Campari Spritz. It is commonly consumed as an aperitivo, either neat, on the rocks, or diluted with soda water and a citrus garnish. In culinary applications beyond beverages, Campari appears in desserts, sorbets, and savory preparations where its bitter-sweet profile and vivid color are valued. Its use in cooking requires careful balance due to its pronounced bitterness and alcohol content; it pairs well with citrus, gin, and vermouth in cocktail contexts.