The Spritz That’s Quietly Taking over My Summer

If I had to rebuild my bar cart from scratch (which I recently did after moving cities), the first two bottles I’d reach for are gin and Campari. Yes, I’m talking about building a Negroni. But lately, there’s another reason Campari’s earned its place front and center on my shelf—and maybe on yours too: the Campari Spritz.

If there’s one thing you can’t escape while walking around in July—besides the heat—it’s that slightly translucent, red-orange drink in a wine glass. And while Aperol is usually the star of that story, I’ve been seeing (and sipping) a lot more Campari lately.

This isn’t an Aperol vs. Campari piece. Both are Italian bitter liqueurs, both are owned by the same group, and both deserve space in your bar. But where Aperol is citrusy and bright, Campari leans a little deeper: herbal, orange peel-y, more complex. If Aperol is the light and breezy choice, Campari is the one that lingers a little longer and could even lean a bit more savory.

I think the shift started quietly. I kept hearing Campari mentioned in cocktail circles, especially in drinks like Negronis, Boulevardiers, and Americanos. (The drink, not the espresso.) And then it hit me in full force, like any trend does, at a series of dinners in June. I casually polled everyone about their drink of the summer, and the answers were shockingly aligned. Three said Campari Spritz. Two said Americanos. No one was listening to each other, no one was prompted. Everyone worked in wine, not spirits.

Then I started seeing it everywhere: corner tables at cafés and rooftop bar menus. Turns out it wasn’t a crazy coincidence: Campari had recently launched a “Campari Spritz Square” experience in NYC (complete with partner activations across bars, shops, and restaurants). The goal? Get everyone sipping spritzes. And honestly, it might just be working. The liqueur isn’t new by any means, but I was intrigued.

To see if I was imagining the rest of the takeover, I checked in with Olivia Cerio, Italian Icons Portfolio Ambassador at Campari America. She confirmed what I’d suspected: Campari has been trending upward for the past six years, and it was just named the #1 bestselling liqueur in Drinks International’s 2024 Cocktail Report—for the sixth year in a row. Now, I’ve read some other reports and it’s hard to tell if Irish creme liqueur still reigns supreme, but nonetheless, they’re clearly up.

One reason? People are drinking less. Or at least, drinking smarter. “Consumers are increasingly seeking lower ABV options,” Olivia shared with me. “And [Campari] is a natural choice for a refined option.” While the spritz has Prosecco in it, I think people consider the liqueur on its own to be that lower ABV option.

It’s also part of the broader rise of the aperitivo hour—a cultural moment that’s less about boozing and more about pausing, connecting, and sipping something good with friends.

Personally, I’ve always loved Italian red liqueurs, even when I wasn’t quite sure why. The bitterness, the slightly medicinal quality, the way it pairs with gin—it’s a flavor that lingers in a good way. And it plays surprisingly well with ingredients you wouldn’t expect. At a recent event, I was served a Balsamic Negroni (yes, balsamic), and it was fantastic. Somehow it all made sense. Campari’s depth holds its own against bold or unexpected flavors, without ever overpowering.

Aperol, to me, is all citrus and sunshine—think grapefruit, club soda, and easy-sipping prosecco. Campari is the slow unwind, the golden-hour drink with a little more bite.

And then there’s the Americano, which I somehow just discovered? Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. No gin or whiskey needed. It’s light, bubbly, and lower-ABV—a total underdog that I’m now obsessed with. It’s also a perfect intro if you’re not ready for a full-strength commitment.

And if you're spritz-curious, here’s the basic Campari Spritz formula:

Campari Spritz Recipe

3 parts prosecco

2 parts Campari

1 part soda water

Method: Serve over ice in a wine glass, garnish with an orange slice.

Easy, vibrant, and elegant.

So, yes, the Aperol spritz still has its hold but a few other liqueurs are equally having their moment. And honestly, I’m here for it.