Campari - Aperitivo

Few bottles on our shelves at Union Square Wines are as instantly recognizable-or as essential to cocktail history-as Campari. First crafted by Gaspare Campari in 1860, this iconic crimson aperitivo relies on a closely guarded proprietary recipe of aromatic herbs, bitter plants, and sun-ripened fruit infused into a neutral spirit base. While lighter aperitifs like Aperol lean heavily on sweet orange, Campari delivers a assertive, complex bitterness that sets the absolute benchmark for Italian drinking culture.

On the nose, it opens with a clear weave of bitter orange peel, dried botanicals, and delicate floral lift. The palate carries a velvety, weighted texture where intense layers of rhubarb, gentian root, dark citrus, and subtle wood spice take over. Its signature bitterness coats the mouth, cleansing the palate and inviting the next sip. For cocktail enthusiasts in NYC, a home bar simply is not complete without it. Beyond the classic Negroni paired equal parts with gin and sweet vermouth, our team loves mixing it into a crisp Boulevardier with rye whiskey, or topping a pour with soda water and a fresh orange slice for an easy aperitivo before dinner.