Campari Margarita: A Bold Twist on a Classic
It all started on a balmy summer evening, flipping through my cocktail books and craving something vibrant yet refreshing. Margaritas were an obvious choice, but I wanted a twist—something unexpected. That’s when my eyes landed on the bottle of Campari sitting on the shelf. Its bright red hue and bittersweet flavor seemed like the perfect contrast to the tangy lime and tequila of a margarita. With a quick shake, the Campari Margarita was born—a drink as bold in flavor as it is in color.
Table of Contents
- About Campari Margarita
- Why You’ll Love This Campari Margarita
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Campari Margarita
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Campari Margarita Recipe
About Campari Margarita
The Campari Margarita is a creative spin on two classic cocktails: the Margarita and the Negroni. Campari, an Italian bitter liqueur, brings a sophisticated edge to the bright, citrus-forward margarita. Traditionally used in aperitifs, Campari’s bittersweet notes complement the tequila and orange liqueur in this recipe. The result? A drink that’s refreshingly tangy with a subtly bitter kick, making it perfect for everything from summer evenings to dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Campari Margarita
- Bright and Bold: The combination of lime, Campari, and tequila creates a vibrant flavor profile.
- Eye-Catching Color: Its striking red hue makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Perfect Balance: Sweet, sour, and bitter notes come together harmoniously.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, it’s a cocktail anyone can master.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as an aperitif or pair it with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Key Ingredients
- Tequila Blanco: Choose a smooth blanco tequila for its clean, crisp flavor.
- Campari: This Italian liqueur adds a bittersweet complexity and striking color.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the tangy base of the margarita.
- Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau enhances the citrus notes.
- Agave Syrup: Balances the bitterness of Campari and the tartness of lime.
- Salt for the Rim: Optional, but a salted rim elevates the overall experience.
How To Make Campari Margarita
- Salt the rim of a margarita glass
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
- Enjoy.
Have It Your Way
This cocktail is easy to adapt to suit your taste:
- Sweeter Version: Add more agave syrup for a sweeter, less bitter drink.
- Spicy Twist: Infuse the tequila with jalapeños or add a dash of chili powder to the rim.
- Frozen Option: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy treat.
- No Alcohol: Swap tequila with Seedlip Spice 94 and Campari with a bitter non-alcoholic aperitif for a mocktail version.
Nutritional Facts
For one serving:
- Calories: ~160-200
- Carbs: ~12-15 grams
- Sugars: ~10-12 grams
- Alcohol Content: Depends on the tequila and Campari amounts.
Health Benefits
- Citrus Boost: Lime juice is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Digestive Aid: The bitters in Campari can help stimulate digestion.
- Mindful Drinking: This drink’s complex flavor profile encourages slow sipping and enjoyment.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
- Classic Glühwein
- The Siesta Cocktail
- Butter Pecan Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
Campari Margarita Recipe
Campari Margarita: A Bold Twist on a Classic
Ingredients
- 1.5 Oz Tequila
- 1 Oz Campari
- 1 Oz Triple Sec
- 0.75 Oz Lime Juice
- 0.75 Oz Agave Syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Salt the rim of a margarita glass.
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Chill Everything: For the best flavor, ensure your ingredients are cold before mixing.
- Use Fresh Lime: Bottled lime juice doesn’t compare to freshly squeezed.
- Salt the Rim: If you love a savory contrast, don’t skip the salted rim.
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the amount of Campari to balance bitterness to your liking.
Video
Nutrition
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