When I first arrived in Italy, I was a self-proclaimed Aperol Girl. I regret not trademarking it. Going out for aperitivo, I always ordered an Aperol Spritz. My Milanese friends finally started commenting that I need to start trying Campari. Consider Campari to be the slightly stronger, more bitter sibling to Aperol. Invented in 1860 in Milan, Italy, it is a key ingredient in many Italian cocktails (the Negroni, for one). Check out this list of the best places to drink Campari in Milan, Italy like a local.
Bar Basso
If you’re like me, you love discovering the historical spots of the cities you visit. Therefore, you MUST visit this bar. Bar Basso already made my list of The Best Bars in Milan, Italy. Bar Basso is most well-known for being the original spot of the first Negroni Spagliato (translating to Negroni mistake).
Sooo why the mistaken bit? When you try it, it definitely doesn’t taste like a mistake! Well, as a recap, a Negroni is made up of Campari, Gin, and Vermouth. Well, in the early 70s it was a standard night at Bar Basso. One of the bartenders was making a customer’s Negroni order. However, by accident he grabbed a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin. However, upon realizing his mistake, he took a sip and realized what a genius he was. And we thank him.
If you swing by in the evening, they have a small aperitivo spread as well. Finding a seat may be challenging, this is a haven for local Milanese, but you can always stand and drink at the bar.
My insider tip: Ask to be served in one of their large goblets. When you’re inside, you’ll see what I mean (check out the picture above on the right). Don’t worry, you aren’t consuming 3 times the amount of the average glass; it is a bit of an optical illusion.
Camparino
Looking to sip Campari like a local but also add one of the best views in Milan? Look no further than Camparino. As the name even suggests, it is all about Campari here.
Camparino has some of Milan’s most prime real estate: a corner spot in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Milan’s gorgeous mall) with a direct eye shot of the Duomo. Here, you’ll drink in style.
There is a menu of at least 8 types of Campari cocktails. The bartenders are incredible and will cheerfully guide you to the best drink suited for your taste buds.
Campari Museum: Galleria Campari
I bet you weren’t expecting to drink at a museum during your trip to Milan. For those interested in getting up close and personal with artifacts and knick knacks, the Campari Museum is a great space to check out.
This is a great way to learn about the strong connection of Campari in Milan and how art, design, marketing, and more has played an integral role in its enormous success.
Tickets cost €12 for a self-guided tour or there are select options for English guided tours for €20.
At the end of the tour, enjoy your highly sought-after Campari soda provided to guests!
This concludes my list of best places to drink Campari in Milan, Italy. Do you have any other cocktails you are on the hunt for? Let me know in the comments!
You may also be interested in these other Milan posts:
- How to Visit The Last Supper in Milan, Italy
- The Best Food in Milan, Italy
- My Favorite Hidden Gems in Milan, Italy
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