Does Campari Go Bad?

Campari is another one of those incredible Italian inventions. Perhaps not as iconic as pasta or pizza, this aperitif is nonetheless an amazing addition to a spritz and is sure to become a favorite of any cocktail enthusiast. 

Campari, however, can last a good amount of time when stored on your serving cart. After a bit of time has passed since purchasing this red liqueur, you might be wondering how long it actually lasts?

So, does Campari go bad? Campari, if stored properly, can last upwards of 10 years, far longer than anyone will have a bottle on hand. You will notice, however, that your Campari may develop a slight change in aroma or flavor depending on how and where you store it. If stored improperly, it may deteriorate and spoil after a few years.   

What Is Campari?

Campari is an Italian alcoholic liqueur. It has 20-28% ABV. Campari is made from an infusion of various herbs, roots, berries, and fruits.

It is characterized by a dark-red color with an acquired yet iconic bitter taste. This drink is an apéritif (which just means “before”), and it is often meant to either accompany a meal or be drank just before a meal.

Does Campari Go Bad? 

You may believe that any alcoholic drink can last forever but, in reality, they have a limited lifespan too. 

If you keep a full or almost full bottle in a dry, cool place, and out of direct sunlight, then your Campari won’t go bad for a long, long time.

However, and it may take years to notice a change in its aroma or taste, Campari does eventually go bad. 

So yes, Campari does, after over 10 years, go bad. It’s not a threat to your health, it just might taste gross.

How Long Does Campari Last When Open?

While liqueurs can be enjoyed for up to 12 months after opening, you should take any strange colors, smells, or tastes as a warning that they have passed their prime. 

Surprisingly, Campari is safe to consume for 10 or more years when stored properly. Beverages like Campari are the most durable ones. 

Liqueurs are made through the fermentation process. So, the aging of the drink generally decreases or stops when bottled. 

Although you can store Campari in your pantry for many years when stored properly, we recommend having it within 6- 8 months of opening the bottle.

Liqueurs which are made of herbs and fruits like Campari are at their peak taste for the first half-year.

Does Unopened Campari Go Bad? 

An unopened bottle of Campari won’t be affected much unless it is kept in the wrong conditions. 

The Campari might go bad if kept for more than 10 years unless it is kept unopened in its original bottle in an airtight container.

How Can You Tell If Campari Has Gone Bad?

It’s never a great day when our drinks spoil and you have to throw them away. When stored in an improper manner, your Campari might go bad. To tell whether the Campari is good or bad, check for these signs: 

Smell

If you are a Campari consumer, you will know that it has a very distinct aroma.  

The aroma profile of Campari has a blend of the bitter smell of orange rinds and gentian with a slight note of cherry and cinnamon.

Nevertheless, this rich and exquisite smell might change with time. If Campari is kept open for a long time without proper storage, its strong genuine bitter aroma will fade away and it’ll smell very mild.

Taste

The true and authentic bitter flavor of Campari can easily be distinguished, it is unlike any other beverage. It has a deep bitter, herbaceous, smokey flavor that is truly unique

If you don’t get that overwhelming splash of bitterness in your mouth after a few sips, your Campari has outlived its usefulness. It’s time to get a new bottle. 

Appearance

Sometimes, you can just see and tell if your Campari is good or not. Here are a few signs: 

• If you notice sugar gathering around the bottle or its cap, it’s bad. 
• If the dark-red color of the Campari seems faded, it’s bad.
• If the consistency has gotten thicker, it’s bad.

However, sometimes even with these changes, you can still shake your Campari to reincorporate any ingredients that may have separated and, if the flavor is still good, then it should be safe to drink.

How Should You Store Campari To Keep It Fresh For As Long As Possible?

Your storage technique will determine how long your Campari stays fresh.

Keep these points in mind if you want to get the most out of a bottle of Campari without sacrificing its aroma or flavor.

• Make sure to keep your Campari on a shelf somewhere dark and cool.
• Allowing sunlight to reach the bottle can cause it to deteriorate.
• Bottles that have been opened should be firmly sealed. Use the bottle’s original cap, a new cork, or a wine stopper to seal an opened bottle.
• Keep the bottle upright at all times. It will keep the liquid from coming into contact with the cap, which can lead to corrosion and a worsening of the drink’s flavor.
• To minimize oxidation, reseal the bottle firmly.
• Try to avoid transferring the Campari to a different bottle. If you do, make sure to store it in a glass bottle.
• Store the Campari at room temperature.

Following these easy guidelines will help you to extend the life of your drink while maintaining its distinct authenticity. 

What Are The Best Ways To Serve Campari?

Campari is a versatile drink and can be used in many different cocktails and recipes. Below are a few of our favorites!

Campari And Soda

This is perhaps the most iconic way to serve your Campari. You can make this with 2 parts soda and one part Campari. Top with ice and you’re good to go!

If you wish, a few lemon or orange slices can also be added to this drink for a delightful citrus garnish.

Negroni

The Negroni is a delicious drink and it’s especially perfect for an after-brunch cocktail! This Italian drink is a simple combination of equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad? With Campari?! This might sound a bit surprising, but adding Campari to your fruit salad will definitely enhance its taste. Be sure to give this one a try!

Related Questions

Now that we’ve gone over Campari and seen how long it lasts, let’s take a look at a few related questions on the subject!

Does Campari’s flavor change depending on where it’s made?

Yes, Campari changes depending on where it’s bottled and sold. Campari appears in different alcoholic strengths in different countries. 

The strength can range from 21% ABV to 28.9% ABV.

The taste might differ slightly from country to country, but the bottling remains the same.

Does Campari have a shelf- life?

An unopened liquor bottle has an undetermined shelf- life. For opened bottles, the more sugar in the Campari the faster its flavor tends to deteriorate. However, you can expect the Campari to lose its flavor in around 10 years.

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