By Marysa Mitch

** Click here to enter to win tickets to an exclusive Campari Party! **

Campari is unmistakable, by sight and taste. Its bright red color is matched by its equally strong bittersweet flavor. For many, the fist sip of Campari can be surprising, but soon you’ll find yourself wanting more – craving cocktails with that unique Campari bite.

The Past: a love story

The story behind Campari and its worldwide success is equally as compelling as the aperitif itself. Initially called Bitter Uso Olanda, Campari was created in the 19th century by Gaspare Campari in Milan. The unique recipe was a result of Gaspare’s experiments which infused herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water. While often imitated even today, the recipe is only known to the Campari family and a handful of people in charge of the production process. With a recipe shrouded in secrecy and sold only locally in Milan in the 19th century, Campari might not have become the now iconic brand it is today were it not for Davide Campari, Gaspare’s son. Of course, in true Italian form, this success does not come without a story of passion, love and loss.

While Gaspare was the creator of the unique flavor of Campari, it was Davide who truly created the icon. In the 20th century he began using full color posters by famous artists and celebrities as advertisements for Campari. As long as the Campari name and product was visible the poster itself was a blank canvas for the artist.  One such celebrity was opera singer Lina Cavalieri, known by many as the “greatest beauty in the world” – and with whom Davide fell madly in love.

Lina Cavalieri

He followed her on her world tour, from Milan to Nice to Moscow and even to New York City.  As he traveled, Davide remained devoted to his family and the Campari business, selling his product at bars and restaurants along the way.  As a result, soon after hearing the voice of the beautiful Lina, the French, Russians and Americans were also enjoying Campari.

What started as a small Italian family business is now a worldwide brand – with Campari being sold in nearly 200 countries. However, Davide’s courtship of Lina was not as successful. His love was unrequited and she went on to marry another. Davide died in 1936 still pining for her.

The Future: a party!

The story of Davide’s love for Lina is a heartbreaking one, but soon we will get a chance to rewrite history. During this year’s Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Campari is throwing a party to celebrate the marriage of Davide Campari and Lina Cavalieri. On Sunday, May 19th the annual Campari Bartender Bash will become a wedding ceremony, officiated by the legendary Gaz Regan. The wedding party itself will be made up of some of the most talented bartenders in the business: Leo Robitschek (of The NoMad), Jeff Bell (PDT), Lauren Schell (Middle Branch), Theo Lieberman (Milk & Honey), Jacques Bezuidenhout and Francesco LaFranconi. All will be making their own original cocktails to celebrate the couple and the iconic Campari brand.

The Bartender Bash in 2012

Like all celebrity weddings, an invitation to this event is quite sought after. Dipsology was lucky enough to snag 2 tickets to the festivities – which they’ll be giving away to a lucky reader.  Click here to enter to win!

Even if you aren’t able to attend the wedding (aka Bartender Bash), you can still sample Campari’s most well known cocktail – the Negroni – at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala on Friday, May 17th.  Choose from the classic version (equal parts gin, Campari & sweet vermouth), Leo Robitschek’s variation, and Gaz Regan’s famous “finger stirred” version — or just try all three. Pick up your tickets here.

You can also enjoy Campari on your own time all over New York.  Here are a few of our favorite cocktails around town. If only for completeness sake, we urge you to try them all!

courtesy of Goldbar

Born Under a Star - Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Carpano, and Campari infused with salt pork. At Goldbar, 389 Broome Street

The Brunswick – Bourbon, Campari, Averna, Carpano Antica, Maraschino, Angostura bitters, Sarsaparilla. At The NoMad Hotel, 1170 Broadway

Champagne Negroni – Carbonated Beefeater gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, topped with Champagne. At Saxon + Parole, 316 Bowery

Roasted Orange Negroni Sbagliato - Muddled roasted orange, Campari, Carpano Antica, sparkling wine. At dell’Anima, 38 8th Avenue

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Marysa is a freelance writer focusing on spirits, beer, and wine.  She shares her love for all things food and drink related on her blog, limerence + liquor.  You can also follow her on Twitter at @msmarysa.