Negroni Sbagliato

The Negroni Sbagliato is a delightful and effervescent Italian cocktail. It substitutes the traditional gin of a Negroni with brut sparkling wine, such as Prosecco. This change results in a drink that is less boozy but equally complex, with the signature bitter notes of Campari and the sweet, herbal character of sweet vermouth. It's a perfect aperitivo, bright and refreshing.
Negroni Sbagliato

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Negroni Sbagliato is classified as an aperitivo cocktail. Aperitivos are typically enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is a modern classic that belongs to the Negroni family of drinks.

Serving

Served cold over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, this is a moderately alcoholic cocktail. The ice keeps it chilled without over-diluting the vibrant flavors.
Serving size
~150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
ABV: 14-18%
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Legend says the Negroni Sbagliato was born in the 1970s at Bar Basso in Milan. Bartender Mirko Stocchetto supposedly grabbed a bottle of spumante instead of gin by mistake while making a Negroni. The happy accident was a hit with the customer, and a new classic was created.
Origin
Milan, Italy, circa 1972.

Negroni Sbagliato

The drink's original name, Negroni Sbagliato, is Italian for 'Mistaken Negroni.' It is often shortened to just 'Sbagliato.' The name refers to the story of its accidental creation.
Original name
Negroni Sbagliato
Alternative names
  • Sbagliato
  • Mistaken Negroni

Characteristics overview

The Sbagliato boasts a vibrant ruby color and a bittersweet flavor profile dominated by orange and herbal notes. Its bubbly texture and refreshing character make it a delightful, light-bodied drink with a clean finish.
Flavor
bittersweet, orange, herbal, sparkling, refreshing
Aroma
citrus, wine, botanical, slightly bitter
Taste balance
bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
clean, bittersweet, lingering orange peel
Fizziness
bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
vibrant ruby red, clear, sparkling
Texture
light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, all-season aperitif

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a prominent bitterness balanced by some sweetness and fruitiness. It's a light-strength, moderately carbonated cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is made with three simple, equal parts: the bitter aperitivo Campari, sweet vermouth, and a dry Italian sparkling wine like Prosecco.
  • Campari30 ml / 1 oz
    A bitter Italian aperitivo. Its distinctive red color and flavor are essential.
  • Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a quality Italian vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino for best results.
  • Prosecco30 ml / 1 oz
    A dry (brut) prosecco is traditional. Can be substituted with other dry sparkling wines like Cava or Champagne.

Ice type

  • Large cube

Mixing equipments

You'll need a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients. The drink is built directly in the rocks glass it's served in.
  • Rocks glass for building and serving
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The Negroni Sbagliato is built directly in the glass by combining Campari and sweet vermouth over ice, stirring, and then topping with Prosecco and a garnish.
1. Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
2. Pour the Campari and sweet vermouth over the ice.
3. Gently stir the two ingredients to combine and chill them.
4. Top with the cold prosecco, pouring it gently to preserve the bubbles.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange or an orange twist.

Garnishing

A fresh orange slice or an orange peel twist is the classic garnish, adding aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's flavors.
  • Orange slice or twist to express oils and place in the glass

Dietary Information

This drink is caffeine-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. However, due to the carmine coloring in Campari and potential fining agents in vermouth, it is generally not considered vegan or vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains roughly 140-160 calories, almost entirely from alcohol and about 12-15 grams of sugar from the vermouth and Campari.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal as a pre-dinner aperitivo to whet the appetite. Its refreshing nature also makes it perfect for summer parties, brunches, and casual happy hour gatherings.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Summer gatherings
  • Brunches
  • Happy hour

Pairing suggestions

As a classic aperitivo, it pairs wonderfully with Italian appetizers, known as 'stuzzichini.' Think salty snacks like olives, nuts, cured meats, and hard cheeses, which balance the drink's bittersweet profile.
  • Salty snacks
  • Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
  • Olives and nuts
  • Hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano)

The Beautiful Mistake: A Guide to the Negroni Sbagliato

The Negroni Sbagliato is a refreshing and less potent cousin to the classic Negroni. Its origin story, a happy accident at Milan's Bar Basso, adds to its charm. By swapping gin for prosecco, the cocktail gains a delightful effervescence, making it an approachable and elegant aperitivo. The balance of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and crisp sparkling wine creates a perfectly balanced pre-dinner drink.

Similar cocktails

Negroni

Uses gin instead of prosecco, resulting in a stronger, more botanical, and non-sparkling drink.

Americano

Uses soda water instead of prosecco, making it a taller, less alcoholic highball.

Boulevardier

Uses whiskey (bourbon or rye) instead of prosecco, creating a richer, warmer, and more spirit-forward cocktail.

Aperol Spritz

Uses Aperol instead of Campari and vermouth, mixed with prosecco and soda water. It's lighter, less bitter, and more orange-forward.

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