Campari Sangria

Looking for a unique sangria recipe? Try this easy Campari Sangria for your next party! It’s simple to mix and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. With ingredients like fresh orange juice, lemon, and strawberries, this sangria is a colorful, fruity delight that will keep your guests coming back for more.

If I were listing my favorite things, sangria would surely be on that list. Alcohol aside, there’s something about it that just brings me joy. I love making it. I enjoy the combination of flavors. I revel in serving it. To me, sangria is just all-around fabulous!

If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while, you might be aware of my love for sangria. Not long ago I put together a post about the unique and traditional sangria recipes I’ve shared on the blog. There were 12 at that point. With the publication of this Campari Sangria, the number has increased. If you ever need a sangria recipe, IBC is the place to go. You can find that post here.

Okay, now back to this Campari Sangria. What makes this sangria recipe so special is the Campari.

What is Campari?

Campari is a bitter Italian aperitif that’s known for its brilliant red color. It’s made by infusing herbs, spices, and fruit in alcohol and water. The resulting liqueur has a strong and bitter orange taste. Personally, when I’m drinking it, I get hints of grapefruit, too.

It may be an acquired taste, but it’s a flavor I enjoy. If you’re looking for a lighter, sweeter alternative, you might try Aperol.

In addition to the wine and fruit, sangria typically includes another spirit. I’ve mostly seen brandy and rum used, but this will vary according to the recipe. For this Campari Sangria, we’re using Campari and Cointreau.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This Campari Sangria marries the zest of fresh citrus with the crispness of rosé, delivering a refreshing punch that’s perfect for any occasion, be it a lazy brunch or a lively dinner party.
• With its vivid red hue from Campari and a rainbow of fruit slices, this sangria is a feast for the eyes. It’s sure to draw everyone to the table, eager for a taste.
• This recipe keeps things simple. Just mix all the ingredients in a pitcher and let them chill. It’s straightforward, making you look like a seasoned mixologist with minimal effort.
• This is a fantastic make-ahead drink. Prepare it a few hours before your guests arrive, and you’ll have more time to enjoy their company. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, making each sip better than the last.

Love sangria and want more? You’ve got it! I have a sangria recipe for every season. There’s something for everyone and every occasion. This sangria recipe collection is full of unique and classic recipes I know you’re going to love!

Ingredients

Making sangria is simple. Just toss everything in a large pitcher, stir, and let it sit for a couple of hours so the flavors can meld. Before we get starting making this Campari Sangria, let’s gather up the ingredients we will need.

• Orange Juice: Adds a natural sweetness and bright acidity that forms the base of this sangria.
• Campari: An Italian aperitif that provides a deep red color and a distinctive bittersweet flavor with hints of citrus.
• Cointreau or Grand Marnier: These orange-flavored liqueurs add a robust citrus kick and a touch of sophistication.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Honey: Mellows out the sharpness of the citrus and Campari with its natural sweetness.
• Dry Rosé: Chosen for its crisp and fruity notes, it complements the stronger flavors of the spirits beautifully.
• Club Soda (optional): Adds a fizzy lift to the sangria, lightening the drink’s texture if desired.
• Oranges, Lemons, and Strawberries: The garnish! These slices not only infuse additional fruity flavors but also add a colorful, festive touch to the presentation.

How to Make

I will walk you through the process of making this Campari Sangria. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

1. In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice, Campari, Cointreau, and lemon juice.

2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Add the rosé, oranges, lemons, and strawberries.

4. Mix to combine.
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours.

Salud, my friends! Your Campari Sangria is ready to be enjoyed.

To serve, fill a glass with ice and pour in the sangria. Depending on your preference, you can top this off with a splash of club soda. I prefer my drink without the addition of club soda.

Glassware Source

I should also mention that I’m using these glasses. They are my absolute favorite for serving any type of cocktail. Their simplicity let’s the cocktail shine. I also love that they are so affordable. You can find them here as a set or here as a single glass.

The pitcher is a HomeGoods find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Campari Sangria different from traditional sangria?

Campari Sangria features the unique addition of Campari, a bitter Italian aperitif, which offers a vibrant red color and a complex bitter-sweet flavor profile. This differs from traditional sangrias, which usually rely on brandy or rum as their spirit base.

Can I use a different type of wine instead of rosé?

Absolutely! While dry rosé is recommended for its fruity and crisp characteristics that blend well with the bittersweet Campari, you can easily substitute it with any dry white wine or even a light-bodied red wine if you prefer.

How long should I let the sangria sit before serving?

For the best flavor, let your sangria refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you have time, allowing it to sit for up to 2 hours can enhance the flavors more as the ingredients meld together.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sangria?

If you find the sangria too bitter or sweet, adjust it by varying the amount of honey or by adding a bit more lemon juice for tartness. Adding club soda can also dilute excessive sweetness while adding a pleasant fizz.

More Refreshing Sangria Recipes You’ll Love

• Sangria Rosé
• White Wine Sangria
• Blackberry Basil Sangria
• Pineapple Mango Basil Sangria
• Sangria Tinto (Red Wine Sangria)
• Sangria Popsicles

I think this might be my new favorite way to make sangria. At least this is how I plan to enjoy it during the spring and summer. It’s so bright, cheerful, and refreshing. I hope you love it, too! If you stir up a batch, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!