Campari Sour

The Campari Sour is a bold and beautifully balanced cocktail that showcases the distinctive bitterness of Campari, softened by citrus and a hint of sweetness. The fresh lemon juice enhances the drink’s zesty brightness, while simple syrup rounds out the flavors, creating a harmonious blend of bitter, tart, and sweet. The addition of egg white gives the cocktail a luxuriously smooth texture, resulting in a frothy, velvety finish that elevates every sip. Served in a chilled coupe or rocks glass, garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, the Campari Sour is perfect for those who appreciate complex, well-structured cocktails with depth and character. A must-try for lovers of bold flavors and refined drinks!

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Tasting Notes

The Campari Sour is a strikingly balanced cocktail, offering a harmonious blend of bitterness, tartness, and sweetness. The herbal depth of Campari provides a bold foundation, while fresh lime juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the bitterness, creating a refreshing citrus contrast. The smooth sweetness of simple syrup rounds out the flavors, ensuring a well-structured and inviting sip.

A key element of this cocktail is the egg white, which introduces a silky texture and a luscious frothy top, giving the drink an elegant, velvety mouthfeel. Served in a chilled coupe or rocks glass, garnished with a lime twist or an Amarena cherry, the Campari Sour finishes with a lingering citrus-bitter complexity that keeps each sip intriguing. A refined choice for those who appreciate cocktails with depth and character.

Equipment and Glassware

To craft this cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, strainer, and a coupe or rocks glass. A dry shake (shaking without ice) is key to achieving the perfect foam, while a second shake with ice chills the drink and refines its texture.

Ingredients

• 1.75 oz Campari
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 egg white
• 0.75 oz simple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add Campari, lime juice, egg white, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry Shake: Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.
3. Shake Again: Add ice and shake once more until the mixture is well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Finish: Allow the foam to settle before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use a fine strainer for a silky smooth finish.
• If you prefer a less bitter profile, slightly reduce the Campari or increase the simple syrup.
• For a more stable foam, use the reverse dry shake method by shaking with ice first, then straining and shaking again without ice.

When to Serve

The Campari Sour is a refined pre-dinner cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy the bold bitterness of aperitifs. Its carefully balanced blend of tart citrus, smooth sweetness, and herbal complexity makes it an excellent choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something both refreshing and layered in flavor. The addition of egg white (or aquafaba) creates a silky texture, giving the drink a smooth, velvety finish. Whether served at an elegant gathering or a relaxed dinner party, this cocktail brings a touch of sophistication to any occasion, making it a go-to option for those who appreciate a well-crafted, bittersweet drink.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Campari is the essential ingredient for this cocktail, but if you’re looking for a slightly sweeter alternative, try using Aperol. For the best texture, use fresh, high-quality eggs, and a homemade simple syrup made with organic sugar will provide a smoother sweetness.

Similar Cocktails

If you enjoy Campari Sour, here are five similar cocktails to try:

• Pisco Sour
• Blood Orange HOP WTR Fizzing Citrus Breeze
• Passion Fruit Tequila Sour
• Coconut Gin Fizz
• Chartreuse Sour