Campari substitutes
The closest substitute for Campari is Aperol, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, sweeter and less bitter. In a pinch, use Cynar.
What to use instead of Campari
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
AperolWorks, tastes different Lighter, sweeter and less bitter. Same amount | Same amount | 11% ABV | −3 points |
CynarLast resort Earthier and darker. Same amount | Same amount | 16.5–35% ABV | −2 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Campari, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Agavoni
22.5ml (¾ oz) Campari → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Aperol
About 21% ABV → about 18% ABV−3 points
- Americano
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 14% ABV → about 9% ABV−5 points
- Bitter Mai Tai
45ml (1½ oz) Campari → 45ml (1½ oz) Aperol
About 14% ABV → about 11% ABV−3 points
- Boulevardier
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 22% ABV → about 18% ABV−4 points
- Cardinale
10ml (⅓ oz) Campari → 10ml (⅓ oz) Aperol
About 25% ABV → about 23% ABV−2 points
- Eeyore's Requiem
45ml (1½ oz) Campari → 45ml (1½ oz) Aperol
About 19% ABV → about 15% ABV−4 points
- Enzoni
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 15% ABV → about 12% ABV−3 points
- Garibaldi
45ml (1½ oz) Campari → 45ml (1½ oz) Aperol
About 5% ABV → about 2% ABV−3 points
- Grapefruit Negroni
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 16% ABV → about 13% ABV−3 points
- Jasmine
7.5ml (¼ oz) Campari → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Aperol
About 21% ABV → about 20% ABV−1 point
- Jungle Bird
22ml (¾ oz) Campari → 22ml (¾ oz) Aperol
About 12% ABV → about 11% ABV−1 point
- Kingston Negroni
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 27% ABV → about 24% ABV−3 points
- Mezcal Negroni
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 22% ABV → about 18% ABV−4 points
- Milano-Torino
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 16% ABV → about 11% ABV−5 points
- Negroni
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 21% ABV → about 18% ABV−3 points
- Negroni Sbagliato
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 14% ABV → about 10% ABV−4 points
- Negroni Slush
100ml (3⅓ oz) Campari → 100ml (3⅓ oz) AperolAbout 5 g less sugar: add 10 ml simple syrup if it tastes too sharp.
About 8% ABV → about 7% ABV−1 point
- Old Pal
30ml (1 oz) Campari → 30ml (1 oz) Aperol
About 23% ABV → about 19% ABV−4 points
- Rosita
15ml (½ oz) Campari → 15ml (½ oz) Aperol
About 23% ABV → about 22% ABV−1 point
- Siesta
7.5ml (¼ oz) Campari → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Aperol
About 13% ABV → about 12% ABV−1 point
How they compare
| Property | Campari | Aperol |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 24–25% ABV | 11% ABV |
| Sugar | 25 g per 100 ml | 20 g per 100 ml |
| Taste | Intensely bitter, Orange peel, Herbal, Sweet undertones | Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Light, Refreshing |
| Aroma | Bitter orange, Cherry, Herbs, Spice | Orange, Rhubarb, Herbs, Light floral |
| Finish | Long, Bitter, Warming, Complex | Clean, Slightly bitter, Short |
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Campari: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof AmericanoZero proof
- Negroni SbagliatoLow proof
- Zero-Proof NegroniZero proof
Bottles like Campari
Select Aperitivo and Contratto Bitter are made in the same style as Campari, so they swap in at the same amount. How they differ
What is Campari?
Campari is a vibrant red Italian bitter liqueur, the essential ingredient in Negronis and Americanos. Its intensely bitter, complex flavor is unmistakable.
Got Campari? It also replaces
Questions about Campari substitutes
What is the best substitute for Campari?
Aperol is the closest substitute for Campari, though the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, sweeter and less bitter. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Campari in an Americano?
Aperol: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Campari for 30ml (1 oz) of Aperol. It ends up about 9% ABV instead of about 14% (before the ice melts).
Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Campari?
Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Americano and Negroni made with non-alcoholic bottles.
What else tastes like Campari?
Select Aperitivo and Contratto Bitter are made in the same style as Campari, so they swap in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Aperol instead of Campari change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Americano, which goes from about 14% to about 9% ABV (before the ice melts). The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Campari?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.