As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing a wide variety of flavors. When it comes to Campari, it is a unique and distinctive spirit that can be quite difficult to compare directly to something else. However, there are a few drinks and flavors that share some similarities with Campari.
One drink that is often compared to Campari is Aperol. Aperol is an Italian aperitif that is similar in style and flavor to Campari, but with a slightly lower alcohol content and a sweeter taste. While Campari is known for its bitter profile, Aperol is more orange-forward and has a lighter and fruitier flavor. It is often used in cocktails like the popular Aperol Spritz.
Another drink that shares some similarities with Campari is Cynar. Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur made from artichokes and a blend of herbs and spices. While it has a different flavor profile than Campari, it also has a bitter taste and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or used in cocktails. Cynar has a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor compared to Campari.
If you enjoy the bitterness of Campari, you may also find other amari (Italian bitter liqueurs) intriguing. Amaro Nonino, for example, is a complex and herbal amaro with a bitter and slightly sweet taste. It has notes of orange peel, cloves, and other spices. Amaro Montenegro is another popular choice, known for its balanced bitterness and herbal flavors.
Moving away from drinks, there are some foods that have similar bitter characteristics to Campari. For example, dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao can have a bitter taste profile. The bitterness of dark chocolate can be reminiscent of the bitterness found in Campari. Additionally, certain types of hops used in brewing beer can impart a bitter flavor that may be reminiscent of Campari.
While Campari is a unique spirit with its own distinct flavor profile, there are a few drinks and foods that share some similarities in terms of bitterness. Aperol, Cynar, and other amari can provide a similar bitter taste experience, while dark chocolate and certain hoppy beers may also have some parallels to the bitterness found in Campari. Ultimately, exploring these flavors and finding your own personal preferences is part of the joy of discovering new tastes and experiences.