Negroni sbagliato means “mistaken Negroni” in Italian, but can I tell you something? I think it’s an improvement on the original.
Classic Negronis are comprised of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. The Negroni sbagliato uses prosecco instead of gin, which makes the Negroni sbagliato lighter, bubbly, and less severe. It’s bitter but balanced, like the Negroni’s fun cousin!
The Negroni sbagliato has been TikTok-famous since 2022, but my friend Reese introduced me to the Negroni sbagliato at last year’s Christmas party. I’m sharing it with you in time for this year’s festivities. It’s a sparkling, red aperitivo to sip before your holiday meals.
The Negroni sbagliato was invented in the late 60s by Mirko Stocchetto at Bar Basso in Milan. Another bartender accidentally placed a bottle of prosecco where the gin bottle should go. Mirko noticed the difference but thought it might be a nice change in a Negroni, saying, “Oh, today, it’s a sunny day, so let’s get something smoother.” The Negroni sbagliato is an effervescent variation on the classic—a worthy mistake!
If you appreciate a classic Negroni or an Americano, which is made with club soda instead of prosecco, this cocktail is right up your alley.
Negroni Sbagliato Ingredients
This four-ingredient cocktail is so simple to make. You’ll also need ice. You’ll find the recipe further below.
1) Campari
Campari is a vibrant red amaro. The brand describes the flavors as “Pleasantly bitter with a velvety aftertaste. Intense notes of orange, herbs and wood.” Look for Campari near the liqueurs or other amaros at the liquor store.
2) Sweet vermouth, like Dolin
Sweet vermouth is dark red or brown, not clear. Dolin is less sweet compared to Carpano Antico, so choose according to your preferences.
Vermouth storage tip: Vermouth is wine, and all wine goes bad with time (vermouth will keep longer than a regular bottle, thanks to the brandy). Store your opened bottle of vermouth in the refrigerator for one to two months.
3) Prosecco
Prosecco offers some fizz and welcome acidity to balance the bitterness of the Campari. You can substitute Cava if that’s what you have on hand. There’s no need to use expensive Champagne here—the other ingredients have such bold flavors that you won’t be able to taste the difference.
4) Twist of fresh orange
A twist of orange offers a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor and aroma. It brings this cocktail to life, so please don’t skip it. To maximize the orange flavor, gently run the peel of the orange around the edge of your glass before dropping it in.
How to Make the Negroni Sbagliato
This cocktail typically calls for equal parts of all three ingredients. I prefer mine with an extra splash of prosecco, which tempers the bitterness of the Campari and offers some extra fizz. You can tweak this drink to your preferences by adding prosecco or make it a little sweeter by adding an extra dash of vermouth.
More Cocktails to Sip
If you love the Negroni sbagliato, here are a few more cocktails from my collection that you might enjoy.
Please let me know how your drink turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.
Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail
The Negroni sbagliato is bittersweet, lightly fizzy, and citrusy. It’s the perfect aperitivo. Recipe yields 1 cocktail; pour as many as you’d like.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice (or a wine glass halfway with ice). Pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth. With a spoon, stir the mixture in a circular motion until it’s quite cold, about 10 seconds.
- Top with prosecco (equal parts of each ingredient is traditional, though I like extra prosecco). Twist an orange peel directly over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in. Enjoy.
Notes
Measurement tips: One ounce is two tablespoons.
Nutrition
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