This limoncello Campari cocktail has everything I love in a warm-weather drink. It’s light, fizzy, citrusy, and just the right balance of bitter and sweet. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels festive as soon as you pour it. It’s so pretty when its blush pink color catches the light!
Limoncello is a tradition in my family. My brother Erik gets full credit for starting this one—once you’ve tried his homemade limoncello recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. That bright, sweet lemon flavor is what makes this cocktail really shine. To elevate it a teensy bit more, I like to infuse the Campari with cardamom. Some people even call it “the queen of spices”. It adds a subtle, almost minty note. Top it all off with sparkling wine, and the end result is a true aperitif—refreshing, elegant, and hard to put down.
What do you want to serve with this limoncello campari cocktail?
It’s amazing all on its own, but this limoncello Campari cocktail also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of appetizers. Because it’s light and slightly bittersweet, I recommend trying it with a simple charcuterie board, salty olives and marcona almonds, light seafood appetizers like shrimp or smoked salmon, or soft cheeses with crusty bread. Think small bites—and make sure to read to the end for more specific recommendations!
Sometimes campari is too bitter for me. Would I like this drink?
Great question! If you’ve ever found Campari a little too intense, this cocktail is a great place to try it again. The limoncello counteracts the bitterness with its natural sweetness, while the sparkling wine adds lightness and balance. The result is a Campari cocktail that leans more refreshing than bitter—bright, citrusy, and very approachable. It’s also a wonderful introduction if you’re just getting into Campari liquor or looking for something a little less intense.
Could you add gin and make this a limoncello negroni?
Absolutely! You can take this cocktail recipe in a slightly different direction by adding gin. A splash of gin would turn this into a lighter, more citrus-forward twist on a limoncello negroni (or more technically a negroni-style cocktail). It will add more herbal notes and a bit more structure to the drink. That said, I love this version as-is. It’s delicate, sparkling, and perfect when you want something that feels celebratory without being too strong. Try it both ways and see which one you like best!
Let’s raise a toast to more limoncello—and all the yummy things you can make with it!
If you love lemon liqueur as much as I do, there are so many ways to enjoy it. Here are some of my best limoncello recipes. I hope they surprise and delight you!
Limoncello Campari Aperitivo
This refreshing limoncello Campari cocktail combines citrusy sweetness, gentle bitterness, and sparkling wine for a bright and elegant aperitivo.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the Campari and cardamom in a small lidded jar. Shake and leave to infuse overnight at room temperature.
- Chill your champagne flutes in the freezer until ready to mix.
- When you are ready to make the cocktail, strain and discard the cardamom from the Campari. The remaining infusion will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks—if you don’t drink it all right away!
- To make the cocktail, add the limoncello, infused campari, and lemon juice to your chilled champagne flute. Top with the sparkling wine or champagne.
- Express a lemon twist over each glass, garnish, and serve immediately. Cheers!
