Out of Campari, one case
What is a substitute for Campari?
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Aperol
Same amount as the Campari
The best substitutes for Campari are Aperol (1:1 ratio), Cynar (1:1 ratio), Aperol + Angostura bitters (1:1 ratio), and homemade bitter liqueur (1:1 ratio). Choose based on availability and desired bitterness level.
- Best for —
- Lighter cocktails, spritzes, and when you want less bitterness
One casethe full Campari card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Campari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AperolLighter cocktails, spritzes, and when you want less bitterness | Same amount |
| 2 | CynarComplex cocktails, authentic Italian aperitifs | Same amount |
| 3 | Aperol + Angostura bittersWhen you want Aperol's sweetness with added bitterness | Same amount |
| 4 | Homemade bitter liqueurCustomization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation | Same amount |
| 5 | Amaro NoninoPremium cocktails, complex flavor profiles | Same amount |
| 6 | Triple sec + Angostura bittersWhen other options aren't available, experimentation | Same amount |
Aperol
Italian bitter liqueur that's sweeter and less bitter than Campari
- Best for
- Lighter cocktails, spritzes, and when you want less bitterness
- Alcohol content
- 11% ABV
- Why it works
- Readily available, similar color, approachable flavor
- Watch out
- Less bitter, sweeter finish, different complexity
Cynar
Italian artichoke-based bitter liqueur with similar bitterness level
- Best for
- Complex cocktails, authentic Italian aperitifs
- Alcohol content
- 16.5% ABV
- Why it works
- Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, authentic flavor
- Watch out
- Different base flavor, may be harder to find
Aperol + Angostura bitters
Aperol enhanced with Angostura bitters for more complexity
- Best for
- When you want Aperol's sweetness with added bitterness
- Alcohol content
- 11% ABV + bitters
- Why it works
- Combines accessibility with added complexity
- Watch out
- Requires two ingredients, more complex preparation
Homemade bitter liqueur
DIY bitter liqueur made with herbs, citrus, and simple syrup
- Best for
- Customization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation
- Alcohol content
- Variable
- Watch out
- Time-consuming, requires ingredients and equipment
Amaro Nonino
Italian amaro with bitter-sweet profile similar to Campari
- Best for
- Premium cocktails, complex flavor profiles
- Alcohol content
- 35% ABV
- Why it works
- Similar bitterness, complex flavor, high quality
- Watch out
- More expensive, may be harder to find
Triple sec + Angostura bitters
Orange liqueur with bitters for a different approach
- Best for
- When other options aren't available, experimentation
- Alcohol content
- Variable
- Why it works
- Readily available, orange flavor, easy to make
- Watch out
- Different flavor profile, less authentic
The longer answer
About this case
Campari is a distinctive Italian bitter liqueur that's essential in many classic cocktails. When it's not available, several excellent substitutes can provide similar bitter-sweet flavor profiles. Understanding the different options helps you choose the best substitute for your specific needs.
How it behaves in this recipe
Campari is a unique liqueur with a distinctive bitter-sweet flavor profile that's difficult to replicate exactly. The best substitutes either provide similar bitterness (like Cynar) or offer a different but complementary flavor profile (like Aperol) that works well in cocktails. Understanding the characteristics of each substitute helps you choose the right one for your specific cocktail or cooking application.
Notes on Campari
Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur made with herbs, fruits, and spices
- Alcohol content
- 20.5-28% ABV
- Flavor profile
- Bitter-sweet with herbal complexity and citrus notes
- Color
- Distinctive red-orange color
- Origin
- Created in Italy in 1860 by Gaspare Campari
- NegroniCynar or Aperol + Angostura bittersMaintains the bitter complexity essential to this classic cocktail
- AmericanoAperol or CynarBoth work well in this lighter, more refreshing cocktail
- Campari spritzAperolAperol is actually the traditional choice for spritz cocktails
- BoulevardierCynar or AperolBoth provide the bitter component needed for this whiskey-based cocktail
- Campari sourAperol or homemade bitter liqueurAperol works well in sour-style cocktails due to its sweetness
- Cocktail sauces and marinades
- Dessert glazes and syrups
- Aperitif-style sauces
- Bitter-sweet reductions
- Herb-infused oils and vinegars
- Choose Aperol
- When you want a lighter, less bitter flavor
- For spritz-style drinks and aperitifs
- When serving to people who don't like bitter flavors
- In summer cocktails and refreshing drinks
- Choose Cynar
- When you want similar bitterness to Campari
- For complex, herbal flavor profiles
- In traditional Italian aperitifs
- When you want authentic bitter liqueur character
- Choose homemade
- When you want to experiment with flavors
- For cost-effective alternatives
- When you want to customize the bitterness level
- For educational purposes
- Campari
- Indefinite when stored properly in cool, dark place
- Aperol
- 2-3 years when stored properly
- Cynar
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Homemade
- 1-2 weeks in refrigerator, 6 months with alcohol
- General
- Store all bitter liqueurs in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for Campari?
The best substitutes for Campari are Aperol (sweeter, less bitter), Cynar (similar bitterness), Aperol with Angostura bitters (balanced), and homemade bitter liqueur (customizable). Choose based on your preference for bitterness and availability.
Is Aperol a good substitute for Campari?
Yes, Aperol is a good substitute for Campari, but it's sweeter and less bitter. It works well in lighter cocktails and spritzes, while Campari is better for complex, bitter cocktails. Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust other ingredients if needed.
Can I make my own Campari substitute?
Yes, you can make a homemade Campari substitute using bitter herbs like gentian root, cinchona bark, or bitter orange peel, combined with citrus juice, simple syrup, and alcohol. This allows for customization but requires time and ingredients.
What's the difference between Campari and its substitutes?
Campari is more bitter and complex than most substitutes. Aperol is sweeter and less bitter, Cynar has similar bitterness but different herbal notes, and homemade versions can be customized. Each substitute creates a different flavor profile in cocktails.
Can I use Campari substitutes in cooking?
Yes, Campari substitutes work in cooking applications like marinades, glazes, and sauces. The alcohol content and bitter-sweet flavor profile make them suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Adjust quantities based on the substitute's intensity.