Blood Orange Campari Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Whenever I’m craving a drink that’s easy but still feels a bit fancy, I end up making a spritz. There’s something about bubbles, citrus, and that hint of bitterness that just works—no matter the hour.

A Blood Orange Campari Spritz is one of those cocktails that hits the sweet spot between bold and refreshing. It’s got the punchy flavor of Italian Campari, but the blood orange brings in a lovely, vibrant sweetness.

Honestly, I’m a fan of how this aperitif balances sweet and bitter so effortlessly. The sparkling finish keeps it light, and that deep, sunset-red color from the blood orange? It’s gorgeous.

You don’t need much to throw this together, either. Just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, and you’re good to go.

It’s the kind of drink that feels both classic and a little bit modern at the same time.

Blood Orange Campari Spritz Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it’s so easy to mix at home, but it still feels like a treat. The bitter Campari, sweet blood orange juice, and bubbly prosecco—honestly, the colors alone make it worth it.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I’ll use this if I want to mix the juices really well before pouring.
• Measuring jigger – Makes it easier to get the Campari, prosecco, and juice just right.
• Bar spoon – A gentle stir keeps the bubbles from disappearing.
• Wine glass or large stemmed glass – I like a wide glass so there’s room for lots of ice and a nice garnish.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh blood orange juice is just better, no contest.
• Ice scoop – Keeps things tidy and the ice clean.
• Strainer – Sometimes I shake the juice with ice first, and this helps keep pulp out.

Honestly, you don’t need to go overboard with fancy bar tools. The right gear just makes things smoother and the flavors more balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Campari
• 2 oz fresh blood orange juice (regular orange juice works if you can’t find blood oranges)
• 3 oz prosecco (make sure it’s chilled)
• 1 oz sparkling water (I usually grab Sanpellegrino)
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice or orange wedge for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig (if you’re feeling fancy)

Ripe blood oranges are my go-to—they give the drink that deep red color and a sweeter flavor. If I’m out, I’ll use regular oranges, but honestly, it just doesn’t look as stunning.

Chilled prosecco and sparkling water are key if you want that crisp, refreshing vibe.

Instructions

• Fill a big wine glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Measure in your Campari (a jigger helps keep things balanced).
• Pour in the blood orange juice and give it a gentle stir.
• Top it off with chilled prosecco.
• Add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.
• Stir everything slowly with a bar spoon—just enough to mix, but not so much you lose the bubbles.
• Finish with an orange slice or a sprig of mint right on top.

I always pour prosecco in before the sparkling water—otherwise, it gets way too foamy. And I’ve learned the hard way that stirring too fast kills the bubbles.

Notes

If you serve this cocktail super cold, it’s just better. I’ll sometimes pop my glass in the freezer beforehand.

Fresh-squeezed blood orange juice really does make a difference—it tastes brighter and less bitter than anything from a bottle.

Sometimes I want a lighter drink, so I’ll add extra sparkling water. If I’m in the mood for more punch, I’ll hold back on the juice and let the Campari shine.

Salty snacks like olives or roasted nuts are perfect with this spritz. And that deep red color with a simple garnish? It always looks good on the table.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip? It’s crisp, a touch bitter, almost like a lighter version of a Negroni. The Campari definitely jumps out with its herbal kick, but the blood orange sweetness pulls it back from the edge.

Honestly, the color is the first thing I notice. This red cocktail is just so vibrant—almost glowing in the glass.

It takes me right back to warm evenings on the Italian Riviera, or at least that’s what I imagine.

There’s this nice balance going on. The citrus kind of teases out hints of southern Mediterranean fruit.

And those bubbles? They keep everything light and refreshing.

It never gets too heavy, which I really appreciate whether it’s before dinner or after.

If I compare it to something stronger, like a Campari vodka mix, this spritz is way lighter.

I actually prefer it as an after-dinner aperitif—it gives you that gentle bitterness, but nothing too sharp or overwhelming.

The finish is smooth, almost soothing.

I get this blend of sweet orange and those herbal notes, and honestly, it leaves me wanting another sip—but there’s no rush.

It’s calm, steady, and that’s exactly the vibe I want from a spritz.