Substitutes for Campari: 10 Best Alternatives + FAQs!

Campari is a strong Italian liqueur or aperitif made by steeping spices and fruits combined with alcohol and water. It’s also a key component in the renowned Negroni cocktail.

This component is often consumed on the rocks or in mixed drinks, and it is particularly popular in Italy, although it is becoming increasingly popular globally. Although Campari is a popular liqueur, it isn’t always available, so if you’re hoping to prepare a cocktail with it but don’t have any, here are some alternatives.

Campari can be substituted with other liqueurs such as Aperol, Fernet Branca, and Maraschino liqueur, or you can use one of the non-alcohol replacements listed below.

Keep reading for further information on how to use Campari as a substitute.

Alternatives for Campari

Campari is an exceptional liqueur on hand since it adds a distinct flavor to various drinks. If you don’t have it, though, it’s not essential. You can utilize a variety of alternative substitutions, such as the ones listed below.

1. Aperol

Aperol is the greatest alternative for Campari and tastes the most like it.

It’s made with rhubarb and other spices, and it’s the same rich orangy-red color as Campari. It can be substituted in cocktails with the same quantity of alcohol. You may also drink it on the rocks.

2. Fernet Branca

Fernet comes in various flavors, the most famous of which is Fernet Branca. The liqueur is dark crimson and brewed with herbs, making it a perfect replacement for Campari when you don’t have any on hand.

Because Fernet Branca has a stronger mint taste, you may use the same quantity in a drink. However, it is possible that it will not taste exactly like Campari.

3. Maraschino Liqueur 

Luxardo is an Italian company that makes a variety of aperitifs, including a maraschino liqueur. This is an interesting solution for Campari since it offers the cocktail a sweeter flavor while maintaining the rich red color and numerous lovely herbal tones.

Maraschino liqueur is also an important addition to your bar because it can be mixed with various beverages, including wine and gin. It may also be used in a variety of drinks.

4. Cynar

Another form of bitters is cynar. This one, on the other hand, is prepared from artichokes. Because the bitters provide an earthy flavor, it’s a good substitute for Campari in a negroni. If you seek a suitable negroni substitution, cynar is a nice option to explore.

Cynar can be used to produce various drinks or enjoyed straight up. As a result, having it at your bar is beneficial.

5. Homemade Alcohol

Why not attempt producing your flavors if you’re a bitters fanatic?

They’re simple to prepare, simply infusing your herbs with vodka. You may choose from various herbs and spices, including vanilla, chocolate, anise, cayenne, and many others.

You may produce your personal customized bitters to savor in your cocktails once they’ve been properly infused and immersed.

6. Contratto Bitter

Contratto bitter is colored with all-natural beet and carrot colorings, giving it a rich crimson hue similar to Campari.

It’s prepared with an Italian brandy base, delivering a deep, delicious taste with a hint of bitterness, making it a great alternative for Campari in any cocktail, particularly negroni.

7. Meletti 1870 

Meletti 1879 is a classic bitter in Italy comparable to Campari in terms of bitterness but is significantly sweeter. It’s created with a pure spirit, sweet orange, bitter orange, and various additional spices and herbs.

The mildly bitter liqueur is an excellent substitute for Campari in negronis. It may, nevertheless, be used to make a variety of different drinks.

8. Pomegranate Juice 

This non-alcoholic Campari alternative is widely available in stores. Pomegranate juice is an excellent replacement for an alcoholic cocktail with its rich crimson color and somewhat bitter flavor if you don’t want to drink alcohol.

Pomegranate juice blended with a few drops of bitters makes a far less alcoholic beverage.

You may also use pomegranate-based grenadine syrup. Please remember that it’s a lot sweeter than conventional pomegranate juice, so use around half the amount.

9. Orange Blossom Syrup

This is another great alcohol-free replacement to Campari that still has a strong orange taste. It doesn’t have the same astringency as Campari. So, to keep the drink from becoming excessively sugary, add a few drops of lemon juice or top it off with anything.

Orange blossom syrup may be used in many cocktails to add a mild, pleasant orange flavor.

10. Maraschino Juice

Finally, instead of Campari, you can still use maraschino juice. This juice may be made by extracting the liquid from a jar of maraschino cherries.

The juice is brilliant, crimson and exceptionally delicious. Because it is not bitter, you will need to use much less than you would with Campari, so start with half the quantity of maraschino juice.

It will produce a light, fruity drink that may be turned non-alcoholic if desired.

Related Questions

1) Is it possible to create a negroni without Campari?

• Absolutely, a negroni may be made without Campari. Negronis are often prepared with Campari, although you may create them with other spirits.

• Aperol, which has a strong resemblance and flavor to Campari, is the most common replacement. You could also use any of the alcoholic or non-alcoholic replacements mentioned above.

2) What is Campari’s major flavor?

• Campari’s most prevalent taste is bittersweet orange. It’s also popular in Italy during the summer, served on the rocks with a touch of lemon. 

• Campari’s bitter taste makes it ideal for cocktails. It’s also a pleasant drink to drink on its own because it’s not overly sweet and has a variety of flavors. 

• Because it has been blended with herbs and spices in addition to citrus, Campari has a herby taste.

3) What exactly are the ingredients of Campari?

• Campari is an alcohol that has been mixed with bitter herbs, spices, and bitter and sweet orange overages to provide the liqueur a rich flavor. 

• It looks and tastes a lot like Aperol, and it’s bitter, so it’s comparable to other bitters’ alcohols. Because of the extended infusion period with the peels, Campari’s predominant taste is bittersweet orange.

4) Is Cappelletti similar to Campari?

• Cappelletti aperitivo tastes bitter, sweet, and herbal, akin to Campari. As a result, you may use it to make cocktails instead of Campari. 

• The fundamental distinction between Cappelletti and Campari is that Cappelletti is made with wine, while Campari is made with spirit. 

• As a result, Cappelletti is a lot sweeter. Even though it is not the same as Campari, it may still be used in cocktails or enjoyed straight up.

5) What are some alternative Campari-based drinks I can make?

• There are a variety of cocktails that use Campari, so if you have a lot leftover, you don’t have to stop yourself for a negroni. For example, a Campari spritz is made with sparkling wine, water, an orange slice, and Campari. This is a somewhat sweet Aperol spritz variant. 

• Campari pairs nicely with passion fruit since they have a somewhat acidic flavor. Campari, passion fruit, tequila, juices, and agave syrup for richness can be used to produce a Passion Amaro drink. If you’re in the spirits for something more tropical, this is a perfect choice.

• If you truly want to appreciate the flavor of Campari, try it on the rocks with a lemon peel and sip it while lounging in the sun.