Campari is a complex, moderately bitter apéritif (aperitivo) is flavored with herbs and fruit infused water and alcohol. This aperitivo was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Milan, Italy. The liqueur is famous for it's beautiful bright red color. This Italian specialty is the key ingredient in the well-known Negroni cocktail. Any trip to Italy must include sitting in an outdoor cafe sipping Campari and soda with a twist of lemon. Campari contains 24% alcohol.
It has become fashionable to substitute Aperol for Campari in the famous Negroni cocktail. If you love Campari you might not appreciate the substitute. First of all the color is slightly orange rather than the bright red and the flavor is much sweeter and less bitter. That said Aperol is lower in alcohol content (11% alcohol) which may be a plus if you are looking for a lighter drink.
If you don't have Campari you can substitute equal amounts of:
1 oz. Campari 1 oz. gin 1 oz. sweet vermouth 1 orange slice (garnish Combine first three ingredients in a double old fashion glass or tumbler, stir. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange.