Looking for a smooth, refreshing cocktail to impress your guests? This Pineapple Campari Cocktail blends fresh pineapple juice with Campari for a tropical, balanced drink that’s easy to make and delightful to sip. Follow the recipe and step-by-step instructions below to bring a sunny, beach-like vibe to your next gathering.
We’ve taken a classic bitter aperitif and paired it with bright pineapple juice for a cocktail that balances bitter, sweet, and tropical notes. It’s simple to prepare and looks beautiful with its rosy-red hue and foam-topped surface.
Why we love Pineapple Campari Cocktail
The drink’s light foam adds a silky mouthfeel, making every sip feel luxurious. Pineapple juice tempers Campari’s bitterness, creating a refreshing summer cocktail that also suits holiday occasions thanks to its vivid color.
It’s dangerously easy to drink—so be prepared to make seconds. With only three main steps to prepare, it’s a fantastic option for entertaining small groups or serving as a signature cocktail.
What is Campari?
Campari is an Italian apéritif made by infusing herbs and fruit in alcohol and water. It’s known for its distinctive bitter flavor and bright red color, and it’s commonly used in a variety of classic cocktails.
Are Campari and Aperol the same thing?
No. Both are Italian aperitifs, but they differ in flavor and strength. Campari is more bitter and typically stronger in alcohol, with notes of orange peel, rhubarb, and other botanicals. Aperol is milder, sweeter, and lower in alcohol, with a brighter orange hue and gentler bitterness. Choose Aperol if you prefer a softer, sweeter profile.
Classic Campari Cocktails
Campari is versatile and appears in many well-known cocktails. For a simple classic, serve Campari over ice with club soda and an orange slice. Popular cocktails that feature Campari include:
- Campari Spritz – Campari, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda.
- Negroni – Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin.
- Americano – Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda.
- Boulevardier – Campari, sweet vermouth, and bourbon or rye.
Items you may need
Basic tools for this cocktail: cocktail shaker (or mixing glass), jigger or measuring tool, and a rocks glass for serving.
- Cocktail shaker (a standard shaker works well for creating the foam).
- Rocks glass or old-fashioned glass for serving.
Essential Pineapple Campari Ingredients
- Campari – the bitter aperitif that gives the cocktail its signature color and flavor.
- Pineapple juice – use fresh pineapple juice for the best brightness and natural sweetness.
- Sweet vermouth – adds depth and a hint of sweetness; Carpano Antica or a similar sweet vermouth is a good choice.
- Bitters – a few dashes of Angostura or orange bitters add complexity.
How to Make a Campari Drink
- Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice while you prepare the drink; discard this ice before serving and add fresh ice at the end.
- In a shaker, combine Campari, pineapple juice, sweet vermouth, and a couple of dashes of bitters with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Add fresh ice to the chilled glass, strain the cocktail into the glass (discard the shaker ice), and allow the foam to settle on top.
- Garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple and serve immediately.
How do you drink Campari?
Campari cocktails are typically served over ice in a rocks or highball glass. They pair well with a variety of spirits—gin, vodka, whiskey, bourbon—or with sparkling wines like prosecco. Campari’s bitter profile works beautifully with citrus juices, soda, tonic, or simple syrups to create balanced drinks.
Bitters (such as Angostura, orange, or grapefruit) are an easy way to enhance aroma and flavor. Garnishes like a lemon twist, lime wheel, mint, rosemary, or a maraschino cherry complement Campari’s character and make the presentation pop.
We love a good cocktail! Explore other cocktail recipes in your collection and experiment with flavors to make this one your own.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this Pineapple Campari Cocktail, you might also like other citrus-forward drinks such as Grapefruit Crush, Aperol Spritz, Grapefruit Martini, Limoncello Spritz, and Paloma. These recipes use many of the same ideas—bright juices, balanced sweetness, and sparkling finishes.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment below and rate it to help other readers. Your feedback is appreciated!
Campari Cocktail Recipe with Pineapple
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 3 oz pineapple juice (fresh preferred)
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
- 1–2 shakes bitters (Angostura or orange)
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill while you mix the drink.
- Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until well chilled and slightly foamy.
- Add fresh ice to the glass, strain the cocktail into the glass, discarding the shaker ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutrition was calculated based on the specific ingredients used for this recipe. Changes in brands or quantities will alter nutritional values; use this information as an estimate only.
This recipe was originally published on 12/26/2020 and has been updated to improve clarity and reader experience. No changes were made to the recipe itself.
Are you looking for more amazing cocktails?
- Cuban Manhattan
- Black Gold Cocktail
- Italiano Cocktail
- Godmother Cocktail
Finger Food Recipes to Pair with Cocktails
- Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Baked Blackened Shrimp
- Turkey Meatball Appetizer
- Bacon Crab Dip
If you enjoyed this recipe, save it for later and try it at your next gathering. Cheers!
