Does Campari Go Bad Or Expire? Campari Lovers Beware!

Does Campari go bad? If stored properly, Campari can last up to a decade. Nevertheless, its flavor and aroma may be inadvertently affected by factors such as storage location. Poor storage can damage Campari and cause it to spoil prematurely.

Campari is yet another amazing Italian inspired drink that is fantastic with a spritz and is certain to be a favorite among anyone who loves our cocktail hampers.

What Is Campari?

Campari is an Italian alcohol-based liqueur with 20-28% ABV. Campari is made by an infusion of different herbs such as roots, berries, and even fruits.

It’s characterized by a dark-red hue and an acquired but iconic bitter taste. It is an Aperitif (which is a simple word meaning “before”), and it is typically intended to accompany meals or to be consumed before the meal.

If you store an almost or complete bottle stored in a cool, dry location and away from direct sunlight, your Campari will not spoil for a long time.

But, while it could take several years before you detect a change in its scent or taste, Campari does eventually go bad. It’s not dangerous in terms of health, but it may taste a bit unpleasant.

How Long Will Campari Last Once Opened?

Although most liqueurs can be enjoyed up to 12 months or more after the opening date, you should consider any odd color, smell, or flavor as a signal that it's reached its peak.

Liqueurs are produced by fermentation. Therefore, the aging of the drink tends to decrease or cease when bottled.

Although you can keep Campari within your cupboard for years, provided it is stored correctly, we recommend consuming it within six to eight months after opening the bottle.

Liquors made from fruits and herbs, such as Campari, taste best in the first half of the year.

Can Unopened Campari Go Bad?

A unopened bottle isn’t likely to be affected unless it’s stored in an unsuitable environment.

How To Tell If Campari Is Bad?

To determine if the Campari quality is excellent or not, look for these indicators:

Smell

If you’re an avid Campari customer, you’ll know that it has a distinctive aroma.

Campari's taste includes the bitter scent of orange, the gentian rinds, with the slight scent of cherries and cinnamon.

However, this rich and lovely bouquet could alter with time. If Campari remains open for a long period without proper storage, its authentic bitter scent will diminish.

Taste

Campari’s authentic, herbacious and smokey bitter taste is easy to discern and is distinct from any other drink. 

If you’re not getting the overwhelming bitter taste in your mouth after just a couple of sips, your Campari is no longer serving you. It’s time to buy a new bottle.

Appearance

If you see sugar accumulating around the cap of the bottle, that's not a good sign.

If the dark-red hue of the Campari appears faded, the color is not good.

If the consistency is getting denser, it’s a bad sign.

Sometimes, even after these changes, you may continue to shake your Campari to reintegrate the ingredients that might be separated. If the flavor remains good, then it’s safe to drink.

How To Store Campari The Right Way

The method you use to store your Campari will determine the length of time your Campari keeps its freshness.

Remember these guidelines when trying to get the most value from your bottle of Campari. 

Be sure to store your Campari on a cool, dark shelf.

The sun’s rays may cause the liqueur to go off.

Open bottles should be securely sealed by securely screwing the cap tightly, or with a cork, or a stopper for wine.

Make sure the bottle is in an upright position at all times. This will prevent the liquid from coming in contact with the cap, which can cause corrosion and affecting the flavor of the drink.

Be careful not to transfer the Campari to an alternative bottle. If you must, be sure that you keep it in a glass bottle.

Keep the Campari at room temperature.

Follow these simple rules to assist you in prolonging the shelf life of your beverage and preserving its distinctive authenticity.

The Best Ways To Serve Campari

Campari is a drink that can be served in many recipes and cocktails. Here are a few of our favorite recipes:

Campari And Soda

It is possibly the most famous method and can be made with two parts soda and one part Campari.

Serve with ice, and you’re ready to go!

If you’d like to, add some citrus or orange slices to create a delicious garnish.

Negroni

It is said that the Negroni is a tasty drink and is usually enjoyed after brunch. It’s an Italian cocktail that is a basic mixture of equal components of Campari Gin, gin, and sweet vermouth.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad and Campari may sound strange; however, adding Campari to the fruit salad will surely improve the taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

To store Campari correctly so you don’t need to worry about does Campari go bad or not, it should be kept in a cool, dark place, securely sealed, and in a straight position, without transferring it to a different bottle.