Campari Tonic
Bittersweet Campari meets crisp tonic and plenty of ice — a bright, refreshing aperitif with a touch of orange.
Ingredients
- Campari50 ml
- Icefill the glass
- Tonic water, chilled150 ml
- Orange, for garnish (optional)1 wheel
- Rosemary, for garnish (optional)1 sprig
Method
- Fill a highball glass generously with ice — preferably large, clear cubes, which keep the drink cold without watering it down too much.
- Pour the Campari over the ice.
- Top up with chilled tonic water, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
- Stir briefly with a bar spoon, so the Campari and tonic combine without the drink losing its fizz.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and/or a sprig of fresh rosemary, and serve at once.
About this drink
Campari Tonic is the simplest route to Campari’s bitter, herbal character — just two ingredients and plenty of ice. The drink belongs to the Italian aperitivo tradition, whose purpose is to awaken the appetite, not fill you up. The 1:3 ratio of Campari to tonic has become a kind of popular standard because it strikes the perfect balance between bitterness and refreshing sweetness.