what is campari made of

Campari is an Italian alcoholic liqueur that is considered an apéritif. It is made using a proprietary blend of herbs, fruit, and spices that are infused in alcohol and water. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but the company claims that it includes "bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit". The bitterness of Campari is highlighted by orange, and it has a citrusy taste. The drink is often served with soda water or citrus juice, and it is commonly used in cocktails. Campari is an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Negroni, the Garibaldi, the Americano, and the spritz. The drink was originally colored with carmine dye, derived from crushed cochineal insects, which gave it its distinctive red color. However, the company discontinued the use of carmine in 2006 and switched to an artificial dye. The alcohol volume of Campari sold in the United States is 24% .