Garibaldi Sbagliato
The Garibaldi Sbagliato is a delightful and effervescent twist on two Italian classics: the Garibaldi and the Negroni Sbagliato. It marries the simple, iconic pairing of Campari and orange juice with the festive sparkle of prosecco. The result is a drink that is both refreshingly simple and elegantly complex, with a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and citrus flavors. It's an effortlessly chic cocktail that's incredibly easy to prepare.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Garibaldi Sbagliato is classified as a spritz cocktail, belonging to the family of sparkling wine drinks popular in Italy. It serves primarily as an aperitif, designed to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its simple composition and refreshing qualities make it a perfect example of a modern Italian-style cocktail.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass, this is a light and refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content. It's a built-in-glass cocktail that is as easy to drink as it is to make.
Serving size
Approximately 180-210 ml / 6-7 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While not having a specific documented origin story, the Garibaldi Sbagliato is a logical and modern evolution of Italian cocktail culture. It takes its name from the Garibaldi (Campari and orange juice) and the Italian word 'sbagliato' (mistaken), popularized by the Negroni Sbagliato, where prosecco mistakenly replaced gin. This drink applies the same "mistake" to the Garibaldi, creating a lighter, more sparkling version of the original.
Origin
The concept originates in Italy, as a modern variation emerging from the spritz and aperitivo culture. While the base components are classic, this specific combination is a more recent creation, likely from the 2010s, with no single credited inventor.
Garibaldi Sbagliato
The drink is most commonly known as the Garibaldi Sbagliato, directly translating to "Mistaken Garibaldi." It is sometimes called a Garibaldi Spritz, highlighting its bubbly nature, or a Fluffy Garibaldi Spritz, which refers to using specially aerated orange juice for a fluffier texture, a technique popularized by certain craft cocktail bars.
Original name
Garibaldi Sbagliato
Alternative names
- Fluffy Garibaldi Spritz
- Garibaldi Spritz
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a vibrant orange-red hue with lively bubbles, offering an aroma of fresh citrus and herbal notes. The flavor is a delightful interplay of Campari's bitterness and the sweet, fresh taste of orange, all lifted by a crisp, light-bodied texture.
Flavor
bittersweet, orange, citrusy, refreshing, bubbly
Aroma
fresh orange, herbal, slightly vinous
Taste balance
bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
clean, bittersweet, lingering orange zest
Fizziness
effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
vibrant orange-red, clear, bubbly
Texture
light-bodied, crisp, fizzy
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is led by a pleasant bitterness and bright fruitiness from the Campari and orange. It is moderately sweet with high carbonation, and has a light alcoholic presence, making for a balanced and refreshing experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You'll need three core Italian ingredients: the iconic bitter liqueur Campari, fresh orange juice, and a bottle of chilled, dry Prosecco. Using freshly squeezed orange juice is key to achieving the best taste.
- Campari45 ml / 1.5 ozThe essential bitter component of the drink.
- Fresh Orange Juice45 ml / 1.5 ozFreshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor. For a "fluffy" version, blend the juice briefly to aerate it.
- Prosecco90 ml / 3 oz, to topUse a dry (Brut) Prosecco. It should be well-chilled before use.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
This is a built drink, so no shaker is required. You will only need a jigger for accurate measurements and a long bar spoon for gentle stirring.
- Jigger for measuring
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
The preparation is straightforward: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass by adding Campari and juice, stirring, then topping with prosecco. Finish with a gentle stir and an orange garnish.
1. Take a highball glass and fill it completely with cubed ice.
2. Pour the Campari and the fresh orange juice directly into the glass over the ice.
3. Stir gently with a bar spoon for a few seconds to combine the ingredients and chill them.
4. Gently top up the glass with chilled Prosecco.
5. Give one final, very gentle stir to integrate the prosecco without losing its fizz.
6. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge or slice and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh orange wedge or a thin orange slice complements the drink's primary flavor and adds to its visual appeal.
- Orange wedge or slice, placed into the glass or on the rim
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. However, it is not considered vegan due to the use of carmine for coloring in Campari.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories, with carbohydrates and sugars primarily coming from the orange juice and Prosecco. Its nutritional content is moderate for a mixed drink.
Calories
Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16-19g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-18g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for pre-dinner gatherings during aperitivo hour, as its bittersweet character stimulates the palate. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it a perfect choice for weekend brunch or any sunny afternoon celebration.
- Aperitivo Hour
- Brunch
- Summer Parties
Pairing suggestions
The bittersweet profile of the Garibaldi Sbagliato pairs wonderfully with salty and savory appetizers. Classic Italian aperitivo snacks such as olives, cured meats, focaccia bread, and hard cheeses like Parmesan are excellent companions that balance the drink's bitterness.
- Salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels
- Green olives
- Cured meats like prosciutto or salami
Garibaldi Sbagliato: A Mistakenly Brilliant Sparkler
The Garibaldi Sbagliato is the perfect drink for those who love an Aperol Spritz but desire a bit more complexity and bitterness. It's a simple, three-ingredient cocktail that embodies the spirit of Italian aperitivo culture: relaxed, stylish, and delicious. By adding prosecco to the classic Garibaldi, it transforms into a sparkling, effervescent delight that is both invigorating and incredibly easy to make at home. It's a testament to how a simple "mistake" can lead to a wonderful new creation.
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