Campari

The rich, citrusy Liqueur that launched an Italian empire.

Gruppo Campari was founded in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, the tenth son of a farmer, he became a waiter at the age of fourteen where he developed an interest in food service and beverages. He went on to launch a series of very successful local bars in Milan and started formulating his own Liqueurs and cocktail bitters in the basement. The rest is history. Today, Gruppo Campari owns some of the most memorable Spirits brands in the world, including Aperol, Appleton Estate Rum, Grand Marnier, Skyy Vodka, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Cabo Wabo Tequila, and dozens more.

Campari Liqueur is the Apéritif that launched the billion-dollar Campari empire. It is technically a bitter Liqueur infused with fruits, herbs, and spices. The exact recipe is still a closely held secret. But most experts are certain that two of the primary flavoring botanicals are chinotto (a rare citrus fruit) and cascarilla (a Carbbean shrub with complex aromatics). Campari has become an indispensable part of the Cocktail-maker’s toolkit.


Smartass Corner:
Campari was originally colored with carmine dyes — a natural coloring agent derived from insects. This practice lasted all the way until 2006, when neutral food colorings replaced the old ways."