3 Campari Cocktails That Go Beyond a Basic Negroni

For many drinkers, Campari is an acquired taste. With a ruby red hue and distinctly bitter flavor, this iconic amaro is a staple of the storied Italian late-afternoon aperitivo hour. It's also a key component in classic cocktails cocktails like the Negroni, the Paper Plane, as well as some of our favorite lesser-known riffs, including this Napoleon cocktail with bourbon, or a Pomegranate spritz.

With its relatively moderate alcohol levels and dual bittersweet personality, Campari is truly one of the most versatile cocktail ingredients out there. Until just a few years ago, its brilliant color, was actually the result of carmine dye, derived from the shells of insects. Only in 2006 did they switch to a synthetic substitute. Here are three simple cocktails to make with just one bottle of Campari, all slightly bitter, beautiful, and totally refreshing.

Easy: Campari Soda

Some folks who love to enjoy Campari in a cocktail don't know how tasty it can be when served on its own. With a big splash of soda and an orange slice, Campari makes for an ideal pre-dinner sipper, and this recipe is pretty much impossible to get wrong. Take it from us: Bring a bottle of Campari and a two-liter of club soda to a party, and see how many friends you make.

Intermediate: Pilsner Negroni

Campari and pilsner? It might sound unorthodox, but don't knock it until you try it. Pilsner beers have sweet and bitter qualities of their own, and Campari heightens both of those flavor profiles, blending in seamlessly. This Pilsner Negroni is especially perfect for summer afternoons, and it drinks like a beer with a little something mysterious in the background.

Advanced: Italian Gentleman

Most drinks use only a moderate amount of Campari, but bourbon is robust enough to stand up to a healthy pour of the amaro. In this Italian Gentleman cocktail, sure to please fans of the whiskey sour, the two ingredients mesh beautifully.