Campari Tequila Cocktail with Orange Blossom Almond Syrup

This Campari Tequila Cocktail is a bold, citrusy, and slightly bitter yet sweet drink that balances the earthy warmth of reposado tequila, the bitter complexity of Campari, and the bright tang of fresh grapefruit and lime juice. The homemade orange blossom almond simple syrup adds a delicate floral and nutty sweetness, making this cocktail truly unique and sophisticated.

Perfect for warm evenings, elegant gatherings, or anytime you want a cocktail with depth and refreshing citrus notes!

Ingredients

Orange Blossom Almond Simple Syrup:

½ cup water
½ cup cane sugar (or another sweetener)
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1 tbsp orange blossom water

Campari Tequila Cocktail:

1 ½ oz reposado tequila – Smooth, aged tequila with warm notes.
oz Campari – A classic Italian aperitif with bitter complexity.
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice – Adds a refreshing citrusy tang.
2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice – Brings a zesty, slightly sweet depth.
½-1 oz orange blossom almond simple syrup – Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
Ice – To chill and enhance the flavors.

Garnish (Optional): Grapefruit twist or dried grapefruit slice

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Orange Blossom Almond Simple Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves (no need to boil).
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange blossom water.
  3. Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Pro Tip: To extend the shelf life, add ½ oz vodka to the syrup.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cocktail

  1. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and set aside.
  2. In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add:
    • Tequila
    • Campari
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Fresh grapefruit juice
    • ½-1 oz orange blossom almond simple syrup (adjust sweetness as needed).
  3. Add a handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
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3️⃣ Strain & Serve 🍸

  1. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  2. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or dried grapefruit slice.
  3. Enjoy this refreshing, bittersweet delight!

Notes & Pro Tips

Prefer it Sweeter? Use 1 oz of syrup for a more balanced, sweeter profile.
Love Bitterness? Increase Campari to 1.5 oz for a stronger aperitif taste.
Add Sparkle! Top with club soda or prosecco for a bubbly variation.
For a Stronger Drink – Increase tequila to 2 oz for a bolder cocktail.
Want a Smoky Twist? Swap reposado tequila for mezcal to add depth.

Details

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes (cocktail), 10 minutes (syrup)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
  • Keywords: Campari Tequila Cocktail, grapefruit tequila drink, bitter tequila cocktail, orange blossom syrup cocktail

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Campari Tequila Cocktail

Use Fresh Citrus Juice – Always squeeze fresh lime and grapefruit juice for the best bright, zesty flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly sweet.

Chill Your Glass Before Serving – A cold glass enhances the drinking experience and keeps the cocktail refreshing longer. Place your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making the drink.

Adjust the Sweetness & Bitterness

  • Love a bitter-forward drink? Add 1.5 oz Campari instead of 1 oz.
  • Prefer it sweeter? Increase the orange blossom almond syrup to 1 oz.

Shake Well for the Best Texture – Shaking the cocktail a full 10-15 seconds helps create a perfectly mixed, chilled, and slightly frothy drink.

Make It Sparkling! – If you want a lighter, more refreshing version, top with club soda or prosecco for a bubbly twist.

Experiment with Garnishes

  • A grapefruit twist adds elegance and aroma.
  • A sprig of rosemary or thyme gives a herbal depth.
  • A sugared rim makes the cocktail extra fancy!

Pair It with the Right Foods – This cocktail pairs beautifully with:

  • Bruschetta or citrus-marinated seafood
  • Salty snacks like olives, almonds, or cheese platters
  • Grilled meats with smoky or spicy flavors

Store the Syrup Properly – Keep the orange blossom almond syrup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. To extend its shelf life, add ½ oz vodka to the syrup.

Make a Big Batch for Parties – Pre-mix the Campari, tequila, and syrup, store in the fridge, and add fresh citrus juice and ice when serving for a crowd-pleasing batch cocktail!

Conservation and Storage Campari Tequila Cocktail

  • Cocktail: Best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the Campari, tequila, and syrup and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Orange Blossom Almond Simple Syrup: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
  • Shake Before Using – Ingredients may settle, so give your syrup a quick stir before adding it to drinks.
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Substitutions and Variations Campari Tequila Cocktail

Substitutions:

No Campari? Try Aperol for a lighter, sweeter bitterness.
o Tequila? Swap for gin for a more herbal profile.
No Orange Blossom Water? Use a few dashes of orange bitters instead.

Variations:

Bubbly Campari Tequila Spritz: Top with sparkling wine or soda.
Smoky Mezcal Version: Replace tequila with mezcal for depth.
Tropical Twist: Add 1 oz pineapple juice for a fruity balance.
Chocolate Orange Cocktail: Add ½ oz chocolate liqueur for a rich flavor contrast.

Storage Instructions Campari Tequila Cocktail

  • Store pre-mixed liquor base (without citrus juice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Shake before serving and add fresh grapefruit and lime juice for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How Bitter is This Cocktail?

It has a balanced bitterness from Campari, softened by grapefruit juice and orange blossom syrup. Adjust Campari or syrup amounts to suit your taste.

2. Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?

Yes! Try this Campari Tequila Mocktail:
1 oz grapefruit juice
1 oz lime juice
½ oz orange blossom almond syrup
3 oz sparkling water
Ice & garnish as usual

3. What’s the Best Tequila for This Cocktail?

  • Reposado Tequila (aged, smooth, caramel notes) – Best for this drink.
  • Blanco Tequila (younger, fresher, sharper) – Works if you prefer a brighter profile.
  • Mezcal (smoky, deep) – For an earthier, smokier twist.

4. Can I Make a Big Batch for a Party?

Yes! For a pitcher-sized batch (serves 6-8):
9 oz reposado tequila
6 oz Campari
6 oz fresh lime juice
12 oz fresh grapefruit juice
3-4 oz orange blossom almond syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
Lots of ice & garnishes

5. How Can I Make It More Refreshing?

  • Add 1 oz club soda or tonic water for a fizzy, lighter drink.
  • Serve in a collins glass over crushed ice for a cooler effect.

Conclusion Campari Tequila Cocktail

The Campari Tequila Cocktail is a beautifully bold, citrusy, and slightly bitter drink with a touch of sweetness from the homemade orange blossom almond syrup. Whether you’re a tequila lover, a Campari fan, or just looking for a unique cocktail, this drink delivers sophisticated flavors and refreshing depth in every sip!

🍊 Bittersweet & refreshing
🔥 Smooth yet bold tequila base
Perfect for cocktail lovers who enjoy complex flavors

📸 Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram! 🍹✨ #CampariTequilaCocktail

Print
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Campari Tequila Cocktail with Orange Blossom Almond Syrup


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Orange Blossom Almond Simple Syrup:

½ cup water
½ cup cane sugar (or another sweetener)
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1 tbsp orange blossom water

Campari Tequila Cocktail:

1 ½ oz reposado tequila – Smooth, aged tequila with warm notes.
1 oz Campari – A classic Italian aperitif with bitter complexity.
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice – Adds a refreshing citrusy tang.
2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice – Brings a zesty, slightly sweet depth.
½-1 oz orange blossom almond simple syrup – Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
Ice – To chill and enhance the flavors.

Garnish (Optional): Grapefruit twist or dried grapefruit slice 🍊


Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Orange Blossom Almond Simple Syrup 🍊🌿

  1. In a small saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves (no need to boil).
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange blossom water.
  3. Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Pro Tip: To extend the shelf life, add ½ oz vodka to the syrup.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cocktail 🍹

  1. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and set aside.
  2. In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add:
    • Tequila
    • Campari
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Fresh grapefruit juice
    • ½-1 oz orange blossom almond simple syrup (adjust sweetness as needed).
  3. Add a handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled.

3️⃣ Strain & Serve 🍸

  1. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  2. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or dried grapefruit slice.
  3. Enjoy this refreshing, bittersweet delight! 🎉

Notes

Prefer it Sweeter? Use 1 oz of syrup for a more balanced, sweeter profile.
Love Bitterness? Increase Campari to 1.5 oz for a stronger aperitif taste.
Add Sparkle! Top with club soda or prosecco for a bubbly variation.
For a Stronger Drink – Increase tequila to 2 oz for a bolder cocktail.
Want a Smoky Twist? Swap reposado tequila for mezcal to add depth.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion

Keywords: Campari Tequila Cocktail, grapefruit tequila drink, bitter tequila cocktail, orange blossom syrup cocktail

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