Gaspare Campari

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Gaspare Campari

Gaspare Campari (1828 – 1882) was an Italian bartender and entrepreneur best known for creating Campari, a bitter, red, alcoholic beverage that has become a staple in cocktail culture around the world. Born in Cassolnovo, Lombardy, Gaspare was the tenth child in his family. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the art of drink making, which led him to experiment with various herbs, spices, and fruit peels to create new beverages.

In 1860, Gaspare Campari moved to Milan, where he opened the Caffè Campari, the first café in the heart of the city. It was here that he perfected and began selling his signature drink, which he simply called "Bitter all'Uso d'Hollanda" (Bitter in the Dutch style). The drink's unique taste and red color quickly made it popular among the Milanese. Over time, the beverage was renamed after its creator, becoming known worldwide as Campari.

Gaspare's creation was notable for its use of a blend of over 60 different ingredients, a recipe that remains a closely guarded secret to this day. The only known ingredients are water, alcohol, and a mixture of herbs and fruit. The distinctive red color originally came from carmine dye, derived from cochineal insects, though the company has since switched to an artificial coloring.

Under Gaspare Campari's guidance, the brand expanded significantly. He was succeeded by his son, Davide Campari, who was instrumental in promoting Campari internationally. Today, Campari is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Negroni, the American, and the Spritz, and is enjoyed in over 190 countries.

Gaspare Campari's legacy extends beyond his famous beverage. He is remembered as a pioneer in the beverage industry, whose passion for quality and innovation set a standard for future generations. His contributions to the culture of drinking and cocktail making have made him a legendary figure in the world of spirits and cocktails.