Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by Carne Diem
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Sometimes with all of that cooking, you get a little thirsty. As huge bourbon fanatics, this is one of our go to cocktails when making drinks at the home bar. Along with our Smoked Manhattan With Smoked Ice and Kansas City Horsefeather Cocktail this is one of our most requested cocktails when we have guests visit.
This Old-Fashioned with Campari is easy to make and further elevates this classic cocktail.
In this take on a classic Old Fashioned cocktail the Italian aperitif Campari provides the bitterness. Combined with simple syrup, and some bourbon it is a simple recipe.
Rye or Wheated Bourbon in an Old Fashioned?
We typically prefer to use a nice rye in our Campari Old Fashioned as we feel they have a broader depth of flavor to help balance out the sweetness from the simple syrup. In the end, however, it is largely a matter of preference and this cocktail comes out great with a wheat based bourbon as well.
Making the Campari Old Fashioned
We like to make these a couple at a time. To make the drink simply mix 4 ounces of your favorite bourbon, 2 ounces simple syrup, a splash of Campari, and 4-5 drops of orange bitters in a shaker and serve over ice or straight up.
Garnish with some orange peal and a Maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
If you are in the mood for more bourbon inspired cocktails and dishes be sure to check out our Bourbon Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, Smoked Arugula Salad With Bourbon Vinaigrette, Maple Bourbon Hot Smoked Salmon, and Bourbon Maple Pecan Pie. Make them all for a great bourbon themed meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Campari is a famous Italian liquor, regarded for its red color and strong flavor. In Italy this is typically served as an apéritif but can be used as a bitter as well.
The best substitute for Campari is Aperol. Aperol, however, is not quite as strong or bitter as Campari and is a bit sweeter.
A tradional Old Fashioned consist of Bourbon, Rye, or Whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters. It may be served on the rocks or straight up.
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📖 Recipe
Campari Rye Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 4 oz Rye Bourbon
- 2 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 splash Campari about ¼ oz
- 4-5 drops Orange Angostura Bitters
- Ice
- Orange Peal and Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, Campari, and bitters in a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice, and shake well.
- Pour into 2 whiskey glasses and garnish with the cherry and orange peal.
- Repeat 2-3 more times and call it a night.
[…] Campari Old Fashioned […]