Botanical Bitter Bliss

This homemade Campari recipe allows you to craft a delightful bitter aperitif with a blend of citrus peels and botanicals. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own version of the popular Campari liquor, perfect for cocktails and aperitifs.

Botanical Bitter Bliss

Craft your own homemade Campari with citrus peels and botanicals for a unique and satisfying bitter aperitif.

4.48 from 10 votes
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz 100-proof vodka
  • 1/4 tsp gentian root
  • 1/4 tsp dried orange peel
  • 1/4 tsp dried lemon peel
  • 1/4 tsp angelica root
  • 1/4 tsp wild cherry bark
  • 1/8 tsp dried wormwood
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
  • 1/8 tsp citric acid
  • 4 drops red food coloring, optional

Instructions

  1. Combine the vodka, gentian root, dried orange and lemon peels, angelica root, wild cherry bark, and dried wormwood in a jar. Seal the jar and shake well. Let the mixture infuse for 10 to 14 days, shaking daily.
  2. Boil water in a pot, stir in the sugar until dissolved, then simmer for about 5 minutes. Let the simple syrup cool completely.
  3. Strain the botanical infusion through a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh strainer to remove the botanicals. Strain one or two more times for a clearer spirit.
  4. Combine the infused liquor with the simple syrup, stir in the citric acid, remaining water, and food coloring to achieve the desired color.
  5. Bottle the homemade Campari in a sealed container and store at room temperature in a cool, dark place.