Kampari bitter is an alcoholic drink, a small sip of which is enough to forever remember its spicy bitter taste. In recent years, it has gained extraordinary popularity, although it is not used as often as tequila or other liquors. So, what is included in the bitter and how to drink it? Let's get it right.
Drink description
"Campari" - bitter, or liquor, which came to us from the amazingly hot Italy. The strength of the drink is 25 degrees. Aromatic herbs and fruits are used as the basis of the famous bitter Italian tincture. Kampari bitter differs from other spirits in its bright bitter taste with a sharp aroma of herbs, spices and orange zest. You can also hear woody notes and a shade of vine. Despite the fact that the first priority of the Italian tincture is an aperitif, Campari (bitter) is part of many cocktails.
Drink history
According to rumors, Gaspare Campari, a native of Italy, was born and raised in a poor family. All his life he tried to make money and did it in many ways. So, once, during the course of experiments, bitter appeared. Being young, Gaspare for some time worked as an assistant to the master, who mixed alcoholic beverages. It was during this work that he gained experience in such a peculiar art, and the story of the Kampari bitter began. After some time, the Italian accumulated a small amount of money, which was enough to open a confectionery, and later a cafe called Cafe Campari in the city of Novara. It was in this institution in 1860 that visitors first tasted a ruby-colored drink with a bitter taste.
Due to the specific taste, the demand for Kampari spirits began to increase rapidly. The incomes were so great that the Gaspare family decided to work closely on alcohol production. Thanks to affordable drink prices, sales have become effective, and with growing benefits. Of the existing assortment of alcohol in 1867, Campari bitter was best sold in Italy, which served as the reason for the founding of the company Gruppo Campari, which produces and sells this tincture. In 1904, the production of the drink was carried out at a factory in the city of Sesto San Giovanni, in the province of Milan.
Soon, the Campari bitter appeared in the cities of France. Today, the main product of Gruppo Campari is popular in 200 countries and is far from the last among elite alcoholic beverages.
What does bitter consist of?
Gaspare Kampari is characterized by a strong aroma and a pronounced bitter taste. According to tasters, notes of blackberry, moss, vine, stones and forest litter are felt in the pleasant smell of bitter. But in the acute taste, the presence of roots, honey, citrus zest, quinine, ash and even earth is felt.
In fact, the company did not disclose the recipe for making the drink. Kampari (bitter) is produced in the form of tinctures on aromatic herbs and citrus fruits, which are then diluted with sugar syrup and water, after which dyes are added. It was not possible to establish the exact amount of the ingredients that make up the alcoholic beverage. Previously, their number ranges from 40 to 68, including myrtle leaf orange, yellow gentian, calamus, cascarolla, and, probably, rhubarb.
The bright ruby color of the drink until 2006 was obtained by adding the food coloring of carmine. Over time, it was replaced with artificial coloring agents. It is believed that in the composition of the bitter there is a narcotic substance with strong hallucinogenic properties (thujone). However, according to the results of numerous inspections, this fact was not confirmed.
Italy is the birthplace of Campari and not only ...
Italians usually drink aperitifs before eating. Most often this is a light white wine. A glass of white and red wine can be consumed with food, but at the end of the meal, drinks that improve digestion are served: cognac, liquor that resembles vermouth, or grappa.
It is believed that the most popular alcoholic beverage in Italy is the Campari bitter, whose price ranges from 9.5 to 12 euros per bottle. Sambuca liqueur is no less widespread in the country; wheat alcohol, sugar, extracts of flowers, anise, elderberry and various herbs are used for its preparation. The average cost of one bottle reaches 15 euros. The most popular among Italians is the Molinari Sambuca Extra brand sambuca. But Grappa is the strongest drink in Italy. In terms of alcohol, it can be compared with vodka. Accordingly, this is a drink for an amateur. A half-liter bottle of Grappa will cost from 7 to 10 euros.
Terms of use
How to drink the drink made by Gaspare Campari? In fact, there is nothing supernatural in this. Bitter can be drunk in two ways:
- In a pure and untouched state. In such cases, an alcoholic drink is served before meals and always in a chilled glass. If desired, you can add a little ice. Manufacturers, however, like the indigenous people of Italy, argue that bitter helps improve appetite. The drink served in shots is drunk in one gulp, and in a large glass - in small sips. Fresh citruses, plums or grapes serve as an ideal snack for bitter. You should not experiment and try “Kampari” warm, so you will not only not feel the whole palette of taste, but you will also be upset by the unpleasant taste.
- With juices or soda. Kampari bitter in combination with citrus juice and plenty of ice perfectly quenches thirst. But cherry and pomegranate emphasize a sophisticated blend. Campari sparkling water is usually served at summer parties.
Interesting Facts
What else do we not know about Kampari?
- Firstly, it is an aperitif that is drunk before meals to improve digestion.
- Secondly, Kampari is a bitter, because it has a bitter taste, which means it contributes to the secretion of gastric juice.
- Thirdly, Campari can be attributed to Vermouth.
- And finally, the drink was originally stained with carmine. This dye was obtained from the dried bodies of females cochineal. Cochineal worms are used in the manufacture of lipstick, sweets and vermouth.
Customer reviews
Most people could not appreciate the taste of Campari in its purest form. As many buyers note, despite the attractive bright ruby color, the bitter taste still strongly repels. But in combination with fruit juices and ice, the drink is really great.
Kampari cocktails
There are several win-win options for making drinks, obtained by mixing various ingredients:
- A fairly strong Negroni cocktail, consisting of white vermouth, bitter and gin. This is a drink of real Italian mafiosi.
- Feminine cocktail "White Campari", which includes Campari liqueur and dry white wine.
- In Italy and Greece, the resorts often serve the thirst-quenching Adriatic. This cocktail is made from Campari, vodka, orange juice and lemon liquor.
Today Kampari bitter is one of the most popular drinks. Perhaps this is due to promotions in which the stars of show business took part, including Jessica Alba, Mila Jovovich, Eva Mendes and Salma Hayek.