Last Updated on May 21, 2024 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. This Campari and bourbon drink 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 modern twist on a classic Old Fashioned cocktail the Italian aperitif Campari provides the bitterness as opposed to aromatic bitters used in traditional old fashioned recipes. 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 whiskey 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 or other bourbon whiskey 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. Pour into a rocks glass, old fashioned glass or lowball glass and serve with a large ice cube or straight up.
Garnish with some orange peel or an orange twist and a Maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
Be sure to try more of our favorite bourbon drinks and some of the best cocktails for whiskey lovers like me:
- Kansas City Horsefeather Cocktail
- How to Make a Smoked Manhattan
- Fall Bourbon Blitz: Bourbon Spiked Apple Cider
- Kentucky Sidecar Recipe with Bourbon
If you are in the mood for more bourbon inspired dishes and recipes then 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 […]